Laissez-passer

With an astounding forty awards to his name, including a BAFTA, 5 Césars and a Best Director award at Cannes, director Bertrand Tavernier (Clean Slate, L.627) brings to the screen in a vivid and thought-provoking way what is arguably the most turbulent time in the history of French cinema.

During the occupation of France in the early 1940s, the artistic freedom within the film industry was severely threatened by constant Nazi supervision and censorship. The German-run production company, Continental Films, called the shots in every sense, creating tumultuous, frustrating and ultimately life-threatening conditions for all involved.

The film follows the true story of two passionate French filmmakers, each desperate to exercise their right to creative freedom without succumbing to the Nazis. Screenwriter Jean Aurenche (Denis Podalydés) refuses to work under fascist rule, speaking out publicly against the enemy and the control it possessed over every aspect of France. Director Jean Devaivre (Jacques Gamblin) chooses to continue working whilst actively supporting the Resistance movement and using his position to act as a spy. The two men battle in their own very different ways to fight repression and combat the power that is threatening to destroy creativity.

This compelling film not only gives a fresh insight into cinematic history, but it does so with the humanity, passion and humour that Tavernier has masterfully brought to the screen in a career spanning five decades.

With beautiful cinematography and fine acting, the film has received a total of seven awards at various film festivals, including Best Actor for Gamblin, Best Director for Tavernier as well as Best Film.

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