Cate Blanchett has boarded Venice-bound short film “Marion” as an executive producer.
Sienna Miller is also an exec producer on the project, which was written and co-directed by Joe Weiland (“Gorka”) and Finn Constantine.
The short film, about a female bull-jumper juggling motherhood and career, is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival this fall as part of the Orizzonti Short Films International Competition.
Over 13 minutes, “Marion” focuses on the French tradition of bull-jumping at La Course Landaise.
“As Marion prepares, being the only woman in the team, the film explores her battle against misogyny and prejudiced attitudes,” reads the synopsis. “A journey of one woman through an all-male world – juggling motherhood and the contentious pursuit of her passion. The film blends fiction and reality, creating a captivating thirteen minutes of tension.”
Caroline Larbère, a real French bull-jumper, plays Marion. Larbère’s real-life story inspired the script, which was shot on location in Bayonne Arena in Dec. 2023.
“It’s incredibly rare to experience a short as visceral and intoxicating as ‘Marion,’” said Blanchett. “The edge-of-your-seat directorial blend of reality and fiction still has my heart racing. I couldn’t be more excited to be jumping on board. Finn and Joe are a dynamic duo indeed.’
Weiland and Constantine said: “It’s such a privilege to be on this journey with Sienna and Cate. We really feed off the passion they show for this story. An important tale about a woman who shows courage and resilience in the face of adversity. We’re so excited to develop it further with this team.”
Weiland’s directorial debut “Gorka” was nominated for a BAFTA following its selection at the BFI London Film Festival. Constantine is a director and photographer. “Marion” is his debut into narrative filmmaking.
“Marion” is a co-production between OB42 in the UK and Solab Pictures in France. It was produced by Marija Djikic, Nicolas Tiry and Noémie Lisbonis Boyer and shot by cinematographer Harry Wheeler.
Source Agencies
