Though fortunate enough to enjoy a run on the festival circuit, French drama Alice is now set for its release in the UK, available this weekend on select digital platforms. The film, which focuses in on a woman who is left with nothing but debt when her husband packs up and leaves, turns to the world of prostitution, and this brings out a fine performance from the leading star Emilie Piponnier. We had the pleasure of speaking to the actress (based in France) alongside the film’s Aussie director, Josephine Mackerras – as we had a conversation bright and early in the morning in Europe, though as you’ll be able to see from the video below, was nearing bedtime over in Australia.
We discuss the project at length, and the balancing between the comedic elements of the film and the more profound and dramatic. We also chat about roles for women in the French film industry, and what it was like for Mackerras to be directing her young son, who also took on a starring role in this great little movie.
Watch the full interview with Emilie and Josephine below:
Synopsis
When her husband steals her money and abandons her and her son, Alice finds herself broke, desperate, and on the verge of losing her house. With time running out, she realises that the only way to make good money fast is to become a prostitute.
Alice will be released on selected digital platforms (Curzon Home Cinema, The BFI Player, Amazon Prime Video) from 24 July 2020.
