Synopsis
“Finishing a text doesn’t mean being published, being published doesn’t mean being read, being read doesn’t mean being loved, being loved doesn’t mean being successful, and success offers no promise of fortune.” A successful photographer gives up everything to devote himself to writing – and discovers poverty.
Filmmaker
Valérie Donzelli
She is an actress, screenwriter, and director. After studying architecture, she turned to theatre and then to cinema. She directed her first feature film in 2009, but it was Declaration of War, inspired by her personal story, that brought her widespread recognition. Her filmmaking—bold and free—blends emotion, humour, and social engagement. She went on to direct Hand in Hand, Marguerite & Julien (in competition at Cannes), Notre-Dame, and the series Nona et ses filles. In 2024, she won the César Award for Best Adaptation for Just the Two of Us. Her eighth film, At Work, won the Best Screenplay Award at the Venice Film Festival.
Filmography: At Work (2025, D'A 2026), Rue du Conservatoire (2024), Just the Two of Us (2023), Notre Dame (2019), Marguerite & Julien (2015), Hand in Hand (2012), Declaration of War (2011), Madeleine et le facteur (short, 2010), The Queen of Hearts (2009), Il fait beau dans la plus belle ville du monde (short, 2008)
Awards and festivals
Best Screenplay
GÖTEBORG FILM FESTIVAL
Poster
