Italian filmmaker to open Cannes Directors’ Fortnight

Music, history and magic realism on the menu for world premiere

by Richard Mowe

Juliette Jouan in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight opener Scarlet
Juliette Jouan in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight opener Scarlet Photo: Courtesy of Cannes Directors' Fortnight

Hot on the heels of the announcement yesterday of the Cannes Film Festival’s official selection the Directors’ Fortnight (La Quinzaine des réalisateurs) have revealed that the opening title will be a world premiere on 18 May of Scarlet (L'envol) by critically acclaimed Italian film-maker Petro Marcello.

The director was noted for Venice prize-winning Martin Eden.

His new film stars Juliette Jouan, Louis Garrel, Noémie Lvovsky and Raphaël Thierry.

Set In northern France, Juliette grows up alone with her father, Raphaël, a First World War veteran. She spends all her days between music and literature. Once, she meets a witch who reveals to her that some scarlet sails will appear to take her away from the village. The young girl will then never stop believing in the prophecy.

The script has been freely inspired by the tale The Scarlet Sails by Aleksandr Grin, a 20th century Russian pacifist writer.

Marcello's film mixes the conventions of a musical with a historical tale, bordering on magical realism.

Share this with others on...
News

The serpent's call Composer Stephen Lukach on creating tension and awe in Beware Boiúna

Care and community Mike Leigh and the Tender Loving Care cast on humanity and looking out for one another

The aftermath Jorge Thielen Armand on returning to Venezuela to make Death Has No Master

Making magic Gregg Bishop on witches, inspiring actors, instinctive filmmaking and The Heretiks

The road to The Guests Cristina Diz and Stefan Butzmühlen on working together on their latest film

Beyond Saturn Tina Gharavi, Tala Calil and Assaad Bouab on Shadows Of Beirut

Puppy love Brad Pitt on the 'moving' Heart Of The Beast shoot thanks to furry co-star Odin

More news and features

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


San Sebastian Golden night for Tender Loving Care


Toronto La Bola Negra wins People's Choice award


San Sebastian Naomi Watts dedicates Donostia Award to Lynch


San Sebastian Werner Herzog honoured


Dinard Full programme announced


LFF Full programme announced