Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Casting & Vision
The film project is announced with a star-studded cast led by Marion Cotillard. Director Bertrand Mandico establishes the creative vision as a tribute to Italian cinema legends.
Key Events
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Film Announcement & Casting — Announcement of the comedy-drama project and main cast.
Location: Production Office
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Director Vision Outline — Mandico outlines the tribute to Italian cinema legends.
Location: Cinecittà Studios
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Location Scouting Begins — Team prepares for the 1980s Rome setting.
Location: Rome
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1980s Rome Atmosphere — Establishing the nostalgic 1980s backdrop.
Location: Rome Streets
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Supporting Cast Integration — Supporting actors join the production.
Location: Cinecittà Studios
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1980s Rome Setting — Establishes the nostalgic backdrop.
Location: Rome
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French-Italian Co-production — Cross-border collaboration framework.
Location: France/Italy
Rome Production & Period Immersion
Principal photography begins in Rome and French locations, capturing the 1980s atmosphere. Supporting actors integrate into the ensemble, navigating creative and logistical challenges.
Key Events
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Supporting Cast Integration — Supporting actors join the production.
Location: Cinecittà Studios
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Filming Commences — Principal photography commences in Rome.
Location: Cinecittà Studios
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French Location Shoots — Production moves to French locations for additional scenes.
Location: Nice, France
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1980s Period Details — Actress immerses in the 1980s character portrayal.
Location: Rome Set
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Tribute Homage Scenes — Supporting legends deliver tribute performances.
Location: Cinecittà Studios
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Ensemble Interactions — Co-stars develop on-screen chemistry.
Location: Rome Set
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Mid-Production Challenges — Navigating logistical and creative hurdles.
Location: La Gaude
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Cinecittà Studios — Primary filming hub for the project.
Location: Cinecittà
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Nice & La Gaude Locations — Secondary filming locations for atmospheric shots.
Location: France
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1980s Period Wardrobe — Authentic clothing for the era.
Location: Rome Set
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Tribute Homage — Visual nods to Italian cinema legends.
Location: Cinecittà
Post-Production & Festival Journey
Editing, scoring, and color grading refine the tribute narrative. The completed film is submitted to Cannes, entering the Midnight Screenings category for competition.
Key Events
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Mid-Production Challenges — Navigating logistical and creative hurdles.
Location: La Gaude
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French Coastal Shoots — Continuing filming in French coastal settings.
Location: Nice
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Post-Production Editing — Assembling the tribute narrative.
Location: Editing Suite
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Soundtrack & Score — Adding period-appropriate musical elements.
Location: Studio
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Color Grading Phase — Enhancing the 1980s visual aesthetic.
Location: Post-Studio
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Festival Submission — Film enters the Midnight Screenings category.
Location: Cannes Office
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Midnight Screenings Slot — Curated late-night festival presentation.
Location: Cannes
Premiere & Critical Reception
The world premiere at Cannes 2026 marks the film's debut. Cast and crew receive audience response as the tribute to Italian cinema masters is celebrated.
Key Events
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Festival Submission — Film enters the Midnight Screenings category.
Location: Cannes Office
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Queer Palm Competition — Film competes for the Queer Palm award.
Location: Cannes Film Festival
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World Premiere — Global debut at the 2026 festival.
Location: Cannes Theatre
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Critical Reception — Audience and critics respond to the tribute.
Location: Press Room
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Legacy Acknowledgment — Honoring the Italian cinema masters.
Location: Cannes Stage
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Production Wrap — Finalizing the France-Italy co-production.
Location: Cinecittà Studios
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Queer Palm Award — Prestigious competition category for the film.
Location: Cannes
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Midnight Screenings Slot — Curated late-night festival presentation.
Location: Cannes
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Final Cut Approval — Official release version finalized.
Location: Post-Studio
1982. French actress Eddie is on the verge of collapse and travels to Rome accompanied by her loyal makeup artist, Valentina, to shoot a science-fiction film – a film that could be her last one.