Festivals - Emilia Pérez Opens The American French Film Festival 2024 with Style, Story, and a Star-Studded Premiere

By Mulder, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Théâtre de la Directors Guild of America, 29 october 2024

Emilia Pérez, directed by renowned French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, illuminated The American French Film Festival 2024 with a spectacular opening night at the Directors Guild of America Theater in Hollywood. The film, produced by Why Not Productions, Page 114, Saint Laurent Productions, France 2 Cinéma, and Pathé Films, debuted to an enthusiastic audience on October 29, setting a high bar for the festival’s lineup of French and Franco-American films. The premiere brought together both local and international industry figures, cinephiles, and a star-studded cast, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural cinematic dialogues and promoting French cinema in the U.S. The film’s unique genre-bending fusion of crime, musical, and comedy set the stage for a rich, multifaceted program that embodies the spirit of The American French Film Festival.

On the red carpet, Jacques Audiard was joined by the film’s stars—Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez—who all took part in a post-screening Q&A. This session offered the audience a closer look into the creative process, themes, and cultural dynamics behind the film. Emilia Pérez has been building significant momentum since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received the Jury Prize and Best Actress award, followed by celebrated screenings at other major festivals including Telluride, Toronto, and Busan. In a competitive acquisition deal, Netflix secured the film’s North American rights for $8 million, and plans to release it theatrically on November 1 before making it available for streaming on November 13 in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

The film presents a bold, imaginative adaptation of Audiard’s opera-inspired libretto, based on Boris Razon’s novel Écoute. Emilia Pérez follows Emilia, a formidable cartel boss in a fictional Mexican landscape, who has longed to live as her true self. She turns to Rita, a highly skilled lawyer whose moral conscience is at odds with her role in a morally ambiguous firm, to help her leave her life of crime and transition. Through a visually striking combination of genres, the film weaves themes of self-identity, transformation, and liberation. Audiard’s vision is brought to life by the film’s choreography, created by Damien Jalet, and a dynamic soundtrack composed by Camille and Clément Ducol, adding depth to each scene’s emotional and cultural layers.

The intricate set design, helmed by Virginie Montel and Paul Guilhaume’s cinematography, creates an atmosphere that melds realism with operatic fantasy. Originally intended to be shot on location in Mexico, production was moved to a Paris studio to allow greater control over the stylized, vibrant Mexican setting that plays a central role in the story. Audiard’s attention to visual detail elevates the film’s surreal yet grounded approach, while costumes designed by Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent reflect the characters’ inner conflicts and journeys.

As a powerful opening for The American French Film Festival, Emilia Pérez underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing genre-blending, boundary-pushing films that reflect both French and American sensibilities. This year’s festival offers an ambitious slate of over 60 films, including short films, documentaries, and feature-length narratives. Its programming highlights female filmmakers, cultural diversity, and innovative storytelling formats, creating a robust platform for discussions on how French cinema engages with global themes and resonates with American audiences.

The American French Film Festival, established to foster the cross-pollination of French and American cinema, has grown into a vital cultural bridge, bringing acclaimed French films to U.S. audiences while promoting new talent and unique voices. This year’s lineup reflects this mission, presenting a wide array of genres and formats that represent the richness and diversity of contemporary French cinema. Each screening is accompanied by Q&As and panel discussions that allow audiences to engage with filmmakers and explore the artistic and cultural nuances that shape each work.

The festival’s “Women in Film” spotlight offers a particular focus on films directed, produced, or written by women, addressing pressing social themes such as identity, resilience, and empowerment. Additionally, short films and serialized content highlight emerging filmmakers and experimental approaches, providing fresh perspectives and compact storytelling.

Complementing the screenings, the festival also includes workshops and panels addressing the challenges and opportunities facing today’s filmmakers. Topics include literary adaptations, international distribution strategies, and the impact of streaming on film production and viewing habits. These sessions, featuring leading voices from both the French and American film industries, provide valuable insights for aspiring creators and audiences alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the shifting cinematic landscape.

As Emilia Pérez opens The American French Film Festival 2024, it stands as a testament to the artistic collaborations between France and the United States, illustrating how cinematic stories can transcend borders and resonate with audiences worldwide. Through its complex characters, striking visuals, and emotionally resonant themes, Emilia Pérez represents a new wave of genre-defying international cinema that challenges conventions while celebrating universal themes of self-acceptance and transformation.

With an exciting lineup of films, discussions, and events, The American French Film Festival 2024 promises to be an inspiring celebration of Franco-American cinema, offering attendees a unique blend of cultural engagement and cinematic artistry. As Emilia Pérez moves to U.S. theaters and streaming, it is positioned to make a lasting impact on audiences, embodying the festival’s spirit of bridging cultures through film.

Discover our video on the Emilia Perez Q&A with the cast :

Synopsis : 
Overqualified and overexploited, Rita uses her talents as a lawyer in the service of a big firm more interested in laundering criminals than serving justice. But an unexpected way out opens up for her: to help cartel boss Manitas get out of the business and carry out the plan he's been hatching in secret for years: to finally become the woman he's always dreamed of being.

Emilia Pérez
Written and directed by Jacques Audiard
Based on Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard and Écoute by Boris Razon
Produced by Jacques Audiard, Pascal Caucheteux, Valérie Schermann, Anthony Vaccarello
Starring  Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, Édgar Ramírez
Cinematography : Paul Guilhaume
Edited by Juliette Welfling
Music by Clément Ducol (score), Camille (songs)
Production companies : Why Not Productions, Page 114, Pathé, France 2 Cinéma, Saint Laurent Productions
Distributed by Pathé
Release dates : 18 May 2024 (Cannes), 21 August 2024 (France), November 1, 2024 (United States), November 13,2024 (Netflix, United States)
Running time : 132 minutes

Photos and video : Sophie Janinet / Mulderville