A wind of youth sweeps through the Comoedia

PostED ON 22.10.2022

A standing ovation, laughter and lots of emotion. The Comoedia audience gave a resounding welcome to the movie ‘Forever Young’ (‘Les Amandiers’), which premiered on Wednesday. Surrounded by her actors, director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi spoke about the conception of this film with autobiographical overtones. 

"I hope Valeria Bruni Tedeschi shows up, I love her!” In the Comedia movie theatre, the festivalgoers could barely contain their excitement ahead of the screening of the movie ‘Forever Young’, held this Wednesday. Presented as a premiere, the feature film directed by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi was selected in official competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Needless to say, Lyon's movie fans were in for a treat as soon as ‘Forever Young’ appeared on the Lumière Film Festival lineup.

November 16^th, a sign from Etienne

It was thus to thunderous applause that the film's team was greeted by the sold-out Comoedia venue. It was an opportunity for the director-actress Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, along with actors Léna Garrel, Sarah Henochsberg and Vassili Schneider to tell the audience about the preparation of the film and its selection at the Croisette: "I was very moved to see the actors happy in Cannes", confessed the director. Before returning to the genesis of the feature film, which retraces her career and that of her fellow students at the prestigious Théâtre des Amandiers in Nanterre (directed by Patrice Chérea), she said, "This film is led by the cast and also by people who are no longer here, but who complete it". As fate would have it, the theatrical release of ‘Forever Young’ is slated for November 16th, the birthday of its Franco-Italian filmmaker. Not only that, but "the character of Etienne in the film is an actor I met in real life when we were students at the Amandiers. I was twenty years old; it was during the audition process when he asked me, "What astrological sign are you?” I answered, “Scorpio.” So was he. “What month?” “November?” So was he. “What day?” “The 16th”. So was he! We immediately felt that we had a connection. The film will see its theatrical release, as if by fate, on the day that symbolises this meeting.

Sarah Henochsberg, Vassili Schneider, Léna Garrel and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi © Olivier Chassignole

Journey to the 1980s

And on this charming note, the moviegoers were embarked on a trip to the breathless daily life of the troupe of actors from Les Amandiers: Stella, Adèle, Etienne and their friends. A panorama of the youth of the 1980's, portrayed by a brilliant cast and a soundtrack full of retro French hits (Le Chanteur by Balavoine, Andy by Rita Mitsouko). And when the lights of the Comoedia theatre came back on, the audience, their eyes reddened by emotion, gave a standing ovation to the film team, visibly touched by the warm reaction.

After this wonderful show of appreciation, the young actors spoke about the preparation of the film: "We rehearsed for a month and a half to create this group. It's important to work your way through each scene, a bit like a dance scene. And the great thing about Valeria's way of working is that you never rest on your laurels," commented actress Léna Garrel. "The casting took six months, and on this shoot, I had the feeling that I was learning every day," added actress Sarah Henochsberg. - A fine tribute to the masterful work of their director. And to conclude the premiere in style, the film's crew had a great moment with the crowd, willingly taking pics and signing autographs. It's without a doubt that the Lyon public will not forget to celebrate Valeria Bruni Tedeschi's birthday on November 16th by going to the cinema to see ‘Forever Young’.

Léna Garrel, Vassili Schneider, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Sarah Henochsberg © Olivier Chassignole

Laura Lépine