Cannes Kicks Off with Pierre Salvadori’s ‘The Electric Kiss’ as the Opening Film
Pierre Salvadori’s The Electric Kiss (La Vénus électrique) has been selected as the opening film for the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
“Cannes celebrates everything I love about cinema: direction, boldness, freedom, and filmmakers. Cannes discovers them, supports them, and celebrates them. In its own way, my film embodies all the faith and love I have for my craft. I am so proud and happy that it’s kicking off the Festival,” Salvadori remarked regarding the honor.
Set in the early 20th-century Paris art scene, the period drama features a notable cast including Pio Marmaï, Anaïs Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, and Vimala Pons.
Marmaï, recognized for his recent work in Netflix’s Nero the Assassin and The Three Musketeers duology, portrays painter Antoine, who grapples with alcoholism and a creative block following the death of his wife, Irène.
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Demoustier, who appeared in The Count of Monte Cristo, plays Suzanne, a destitute sideshow performer pretending to be a clairvoyant. Antoine consults her in hopes of reconnecting with his deceased wife, portrayed by Pons.
Antoine’s art dealer, Armand (Lellouche), struggles to prevent Antoine’s further decline and persuades Suzanne to sustain the ruse. She conducts improvised hypnosis sessions, claiming to channel Irène in exchange for debt relief from Armand, leading to an unexpected bond between the characters.
The cast also includes actor and director Gustave Kervern and Madeleine Baudot.
Salvadori, who has previously garnered attention for his romantic action comedy The Trouble With You, co-wrote the screenplay for this new film with Benjamin Charbit and Benoît Graffin, building on an original concept by Rebecca Zlotowski and Robin Campillo.
Produced by Philippe Martin at Les Pelléas Films, the film benefits from a buzz surrounding the awards season, particularly following Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner and Oscar contender It Was Just An Accident.
Co-producers include Sandrine Dumas from Paris-based Pio & Co, Jacques-Henri Bronckart, Tatjana Kozar from Belgium’s Versus Production, and Salvadori under Tovo Films, with support from the French broadcaster France 2. David Thion from Les Pelléas Films serves as associate producer.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival is set to commence on May 12, featuring a ceremony chaired by Eye Haïdara, which will be broadcast live on France Télévisions and Brut.
Cinemas throughout France will screen the ceremony, followed by the opening film, with assistance from the Fédération Nationale des Cinémas Français.
Adhering to Cannes tradition, the film’s French distributor, Diaphana, will introduce its theatrical release in France simultaneously with its festival premiere.
