Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival-backed film "Jeanne du Barry" is set to open the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on 16th May 2023, and it will be released in French cinemas on the same day. The highly anticipated period drama, directed by French filmmaker Maïwenn, follows the life of 18th Century courtesan Madame du Barry, portrayed by the director herself, alongside Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp, who plays King Louis XV.
RSIFF, a renowned film foundation in Saudi Arabia, provided post-production support for the film, marking their first co-production venture with a French movie. "Jeanne Vaubernier, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure, uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one. She becomes the favourite of King Louis XV who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. They fall madly in love. Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court,” reads the official statement released by the festival organizers, giving a glimpse into the intriguing storyline.
The film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival has already generated buzz among film enthusiasts and critics alike, with many eager to witness Maïwenn's directorial skills and the chemistry between Depp and Maïwenn on screen. The fact that a Saudi-based film foundation has co-produced a French film is an exciting development, marking a significant milestone in the entertainment industry.
With its captivating storyline and stellar cast, "Jeanne du Barry" is expected to captivate audiences at the Cannes Film Festival and further afield as it makes its way to cinemas worldwide.
