Kino Lorber has acquired North American distribution rights to “Being Maria,” a French movie revolving around the controversial production of Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1972 film “Last Tango in Paris.”
Directed by Jessica Palud, the movie stars “Happening” breakout Anamaria Vartolomei as Maria Schneider and Matt Dillon as Marlon Brando.
“Being Maria” had its world premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where it was the only female-directed film selected for the Premieres section. It’s now playing at the American French Film Festival at the DGA. where Kino Lorber’s boss Richard Lorber will be receiving an honorary tribute over the weekend.
The movie charts the turbulent life and career of the late French actress Maria Schneider, who was a promising young actress struggling to break into film when she was cast by Bertolucci, then still rising as a face of Italian cinema, to star in “Last Tango in Paris” alongside an American superstar, Brando. The experience turned into a nightmare for Schneider, who felt sexually exploited during the filming of a crude scene that she claimed was added to Bertolucci during the shoot. After surviving this trauma, Schneider became an outspoken feminist advocate and spent the rest of her career fighting against the objectification of actresses in movies.
Unfolding through Maria’s perspective, the movie has been described as a cautionary tale about the damages caused by sexual violence in cinema.
“Jessica Palud has crafted a moving, deeply resonant biopic of Maria Schneider,” said Kino Lorber’s Lisa Schwartz. “By centering the ‘Last Tango in Paris’ star’s perspective, the film tells a story that feels more timely and relevant than ever. Anamaria Vartolomei is a true breakout performer, bringing Maria to life with nuance and complexity, and Matt Dillon delivers a compelling and fully embodied performance as Marlon Brando.”
Kino Lorber will release the movie in 2025, followed by a digital, educational and home video release.
“Being Maria” was penned by Palud and Laurette Polmanss, and is loosely adapted from Vanessa Schneider’s memoir “My Cousin Maria Schneider.” The cast is completed by Giuseppe Maggio, Yvan Attal, Céleste Brunnquell and Marie Gillain. Vanessa Schneider is attending the American French Film Festival this week.
The deal for “Being Maria” was negotiated by Schwarz, Kino Lorber’ head of theatrical acquisitions and distribution, and Studiocanal.
“We’re delighted to partner with Kino Lorber’s fantastic team to bring Jessica Palud’s ‘Being Maria’ and Maria Schneider’s journey to American audience after the amazing responses to the film we received from both critics and industry at the Cannes Film Festival,” said Chloé Marquet, Studiocanal’s head of international sales for films and TV series. “Kino Lorber has demonstrated over the years a unique ability to not only curate the best of contemporary world cinema from major international film festivals, but also to identify and highlight many new voices of French cinema.”
“I am very proud that ‘Being Maria’ is being released in the United States, a pioneering country where actresses’ voices have been freed, and I am very happy to be supported by the teams at Kino Lorber, a talented distributor and great lover of French cinema,” Palud said.
“Being Maria” is produced by Marielle Duigou, co-produced by Kristina Zimmerman and Christie Molia, and executive produced by Alex C. Lo.
The film is a Les Films de Mina, Studiocanal, Moteur S’il Vous Plait production in co-production with Cinema Inutile with the participation of OCS – Ciné +, with the support of région Bretagne in partnership with CNC, Procirep, Angoa and Creative Europe – Media Programme of European Union in association with Cofimage 34.