The SFFF is pleased to introduce you to one of France's most famous cinematic love stories in Daniel Auteuil's new film versions!

Daniel Auteuil, one of France's most renowned actors (Queen Margot - SFFF 2014, My Best Friend - SFFF 2007, The Closet, My Favorite Season, Caché) first entered the world of playwright, novelist and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol as an actor in Claude Berri's 1986 film adaptations of the Pagnol novels Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring. In 2011, Auteuil dove into Pagnol's work again, this time adapting The Well-Digger’s Daughter for his directorial debut.

Marius and Fanny were originally theater plays. They are a successful mix of comedy, drama and romance. Pagnol, who would go on to have his own directing career, produced the first filmed version in 1932 (starring Raimu, Pierre Fresnay, Orane Demazis and Fernand Charpin). In 1936, Pagnol wrote, this time directly for the screen, a third installment for what became his Marseille Trilogy: César, which takes place 20 years after the end of Fanny.

There were several subsequent filmed adaptations, including the 1961 Hollywood classic by Joshua Logan, starring Leslie Caron, Charles Boyer and Maurice Chevalier. Auteuil’s adaptations, shot simultaneously, are faithful to the original humorous and dramatic text. Shooting for César should begin soon.

The first installment, Marius, sets the stage in the colorful 1930's Old Port of Marseille. Marius works at his father César’s bar, but longs to see the world aboard one of the merchant ships that come through port. As much as he loves the idea of adventure, he also pines for the fishmonger’s beautiful daughter Fanny, without knowing that she harbors secret feelings of love for him too. When Panisse, an aging, heirless, no-nonsense widower declares his intention to wed Fanny, she and Marius are forced to make decisions... We will let you dicover what happens in Fanny, the second installment...