By Cohen Media Group, the U.S. distribution company behind Matteo Garrone’s Oscar-nominated “Io Capitano,” has acquired North American rights to “The President’s Wife,” a biting movie starring Catherine Deneuve as France’s former first lady Bernadette Chirac.
The deal closed during the European Film Market currently taking place and running alongside the Berlin Film Festival.
The movie, which marks the feature debut of director Léa Domenach, is nominated for a Cesar Award for best first film. The deal was negotiated by Robert Aaronson, executive VP of Cohen Media Group, and Charlotte Boucon, head of world sales at Orange Studio — newly acquired by Studiocanal — on behalf of Warner Bros Picture France.
The film opens in 1995, as Jacques Chirac becomes president of France. “His wife Bernadette now expects to be treated with the respect due to her lifelong work in the shadow of her husband. But mocked as too corny, she’s cast aside. Bernadette decides to react,” reads the synopsis. Cohen Media Group describes the movie as “‘Potiche’ meets ‘Legally Blonde.’”
Produced by Karé Prods. (“The Young Lovers,” “The Name of Love”), the political dramedy pays tribute to Bernadette Chirac, who wasn’t as popular as her husband, Jacques, who served two terms. Often mocked by French people, Bernadette ended up outshining her husband and became somewhat of a feminist icon.
Domenach says she felt “privileged” to have Cohen Media Group acquire her feature debut. “I can’t wait to work with [their] teams to bring the amazing performances of my cast, especially Catherine Deneuve, to American audiences.”
“Léa Domenach’s unique storytelling style and artistic vision coupled with Deneuve’s ability to embody characters of all types makes ‘The President’s Wife’ a must-see,” said Aaronson. “We are thrilled to bring this film to our U.S. audiences.”
The movie was a box office hit in France, where it was released by Warner Bros. The film also stars Michel Vuillermoz, Denis Podalydès and Sara Giraudeau.
Cohen Media Group’s current roster includes the Berlinale competition entry “Black Tea,” Abderrahmane Sissako’s follow up to his Oscar-nominated film “Timbuktu.”
