Lazlo Nemes, the Hungarian filmmaker whose harrowing Holocaust drama “Son of Saul” won the Oscar for best international feature in 2016, is returning to WWII for his latest movie.
“Moulin” is set to tell the story of French Resistance hero Jean Moulin, and will be a French-language film starring Gilles Lellouche (“Tell No One”) and Lars Eidinger (“Clouds of Sils Maria”). The film will be introduced to buyers at this year’s Cannes Film Market, with Patrick Wachsberger’s 193 representing sales rights.
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Based on true events, the story will follow Moulin (Lellouche) as he’s parachuted into occupied France to unite the French resistance fighters under Charles de Gaulle’s leadership. The film depicts how, despite all efforts to stay in the shadows, Moulin is ultimately betrayed and tortured at the hands of the ambitious head of the Gestapo in Lyon, Klaus Barbie (Eidinger). But even when locked in a tense, deadly standoff with the vicious Barbie, Moulin doesn’t break, and his courage and silence helps lead to the liberation of France, while leaving behind a new spirit of strength and resistance.
The film is produced by Alain Goldman (“La Vie En Rose”) and written by Olivier Demangel (“Class Act”). TF1 and Studio TF1 serve as co-producers and will distribute the film in France.
“It is with an immense pride that I’m bringing to cinema the tragic and epic story of Jean Moulin, the great humanist resistant of WWII,” said Nemes, currently in post on his third feature “Orphan” that’s expected to hit the fall festivals. “Facing unspeakable evil with the greatest – and unsuspected – resolve a human being can ever hope for, Jean Moulin’s story reverberates until today. I’m confident that contemporary audiences, near and far, will attach themselves to a man who embodies civilization against barbarism.”
Added Goldman: “The story of Moulin, while being a French story, is one that is timeless and universal. It emotionally explores themes about the eternal fight humanity faces of good vs. evil which will resonate with audiences around the world.”
Launched earlier this year, 193 is a standalone joint-venture between Legendary and industry veteran and former Lionsgate film boss Wachsberger, who leads the company.
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