A Feminine Vision: The Women Behind Bonjour Tristesse Set New Standards at the Zurich Film Festival

The gala premiere of Bonjour Tristesse at the Zurich Film Festival was a true celebration of female-driven creativity, resilience, and leadership. This 2024 adaptation of Fran?oise Sagan’s iconic novel brought a fresh and intimate perspective to the screen, thanks to the remarkable women who fought to bring this story to life.

Producers Katie Bird Nolan and Lindsay Tapscott led the charge to secure the rights to Bonjour Tristesse, a journey marked by perseverance. For years, they were told they weren’t “experienced enough” or not “French enough” to take on such an important cultural piece. Their refusal to give up eventually led them to Paris, where they knocked on the doors of the rightholders in person. It was Denis Westhoff, Fran?oise Sagan’s son, who saw their passion and potential, offering his support and believing in the team—particularly in Durga Chew-Bose’s directorial vision.

With Westhoff’s backing, the producers were able to move forward, placing their trust in Durga Chew-Bose, a first-time director. Despite this being her debut film, Chew-Bose’s storytelling abilities and personal connection to the material were undeniable. She brought a fresh and emotional depth to Sagan’s classic, breathing new life into the characters and themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Her relationship with Lily McInerny, who plays Cécile, added an extra layer of authenticity—Durga and Lily originally met when Durga was babysitting her, years before their collaboration on this film.

The unique leadership on this project extended to the way the film set was run. A family-friendly environment was fostered, with husbands and children welcome on set during lunchtime, allowing families to spend time together despite the demanding filming schedule. This "family-first" approach set a new standard for the industry, proving that inclusivity and balance can create a productive and supportive working environment without compromising on quality.

Lily McInerny delivered a captivating performance as Cécile, bringing the character’s rebellious spirit and emotional complexity to life. Alongside her, Chlo? Sevigny as Anne and Na?lia Harzoune as Elsa gave powerful performances, each contributing to the film’s emotional richness.

Supporting this ambitious project from the very beginning were LA-based producer Benito Müller and Berlin-based Wolfgang Müller, who immediately saw the potential and threw their full support behind it. Their belief in the female-led team played a crucial role in turning this vision into reality.

Bonjour Tristesse is more than just a film—it’s a testament to the power of female leadership, resilience, and trust. With Denis Westhoff’s support, Katie Bird Nolan, Lindsay Tapscott, Durga Chew-Bose, and their talented team have not only created a stunning cinematic experience but also redefined how films can be made—with passion, inclusivity, and a belief in the next generation of storytellers.

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