Channelling Moliere, THE PRESIDENT’S WIFE is a sidewinder biopic of Bernadette Chirac, the astute and aspiring spouse of Jacques Chirac, France’s president from 1995 to 2007.

Writer director Léa Domenach depicts Bernadette as the brains behind the throne, more astute, more attuned to the constituency than ever her husband and her braggard, brigand bunch of big swinging dick advisers and associates ever were.

As usual with her characters and indeed her own persona, Catherine Deneuve projects true style, calculated, realistic and resilient.

Michel Vuillermoz plays Jaques Chirac as an egoist fastidiously singling himself out as a trend setter and ridiculing his daggy wife. He comes a cropper as a bumbling booby.

In her debut film which has earned her a César nomination for Best First Feature Film, documentarian Léa Domenach skilfully blurs the lines between fact and fiction, presenting a captivating portrait of an unexpected feminist icon. A delightful tapestry of satire, whimsical musical numbers, and vibrant visuals, offering a heart-warming celebration of Bernadette Chirac’s resilience and wit.

THE PRESIDENT’S WIFE is one reason in 41 to attend the Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF).

The 2024 edition spotlights contemporary creation, focusing on the emerging talents and innovative voices shaping the French cinematic landscape.

The whirlwind programme of 41 films features some of the greatest directors (Catherine Breillat, Michel Gondry, Albert Dupontel...) and biggest stars (Juliette Binoche, Catherine Deneuve, Daniel Auteuil, Laure Calamy, Camille Cottin…) of the French silver screen.

from 5th March – 21st April.

 

 

WATCH & SHARE TRAILER HERE

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME AND IMAGES HERE