EMILE ZOLA'S CLASSIC NOVEL NANA TO BE TURNED INTO A 19TH CENTURY SET MOVIE DRAMA

    ZOLA'S NANA   

TO BE TURNED INTO A MOVIE DRAMA

Olivier Dahan will direct the movie

Under the French Greek co-production, and with the support of France Télévision and Canal+, Emile Zola's classic novel NANA will be turned into a movie by director Olivier Dahan known for La Vie en Rose. The book tells the story of Nana Coupeau's rise from streetwalker to high-class cocotte during the last three years of the French Second Empire. She grows up in the slums of Paris and then has a brief career as an untalented actress before finding success as a courtesan. Although vulgar and ignorant, she has a destructive sexuality that attracts many rich and powerful men. Cruelly contemptuous of her lovers’ emotions, Nana wastes their fortunes, driving many of them to ruin and even suicide.

SEE VICTOR BELMONDO IN THE TRAILER FOR NEW 19TH CENTURY SET TV ADAPTATION OF THE RED AND THE BLACK

  THE RED AND THE BLACK 

PERIOD SET STENDHAL TV ADAPTATION

Already presented to the French audience earlier this summer is France Televisions' four episode period set TV series adaptation of 

The series in France this June

Stendhal's famous novel THE RED AND THE BLACK (Le rouge et le noir) set in 1828. We have the trailer and posters for the new series for you today.

 

WHAT IS THE STORY?

 The restored monarchy is faltering, a new revolution rumbling. In this troubled France, Julien Sorel (our gorgeous and sweet Victor Belmondo), poor son of a carpenter is ready to do anything to rise socially. Torn between the Red and the Black, between the military ambition and the ecclesiastical career, but also between two women that everything opposes, he will have to pay the price of his choices. Virginie Ledoyen, Camille Razat, Patrick Timsit also star. 

 

ARRIVING TO LE HAVRE! 

The historical series will be offered to the interested international distributors next week at the 32nd edition of the Unifrance Rendez-Vous TV content market in Le Havre! Check out the trailer below and tell us what you think, would you watch it?

 

SEE TRAILER FOR UNCHAINED 1806 REUNION ISLAND SET FRENCH HISTORICAL SERIES

   UNCHAINED TRAILER  

FOR NEW HISTORICAL  SERIES FROM FRANCE

I already mentioned this one to you when French historical series UNCHAINED  (Enchainés) competed earlier this year at Seriemania. 

The series aired in France in May

This six episode drama has the story set in Bourbon Island, 1806. A devastating cyclone leaves Charles Bellevue’s plantation in ruins. Bankrupt, he is forced to sell his lands, leaving his slaves in terror of being separated. Among them, Isaac refuses to accept his fate. He has just discovered that Charles Bellevue is not only his master: he is his father. Fueled by rage and an insatiable desire for freedom, Isaac persuades Charles to keep the plantation. Impressed by his resolve, Charles appoints him as overseer. Now, Isaac must balance his newfound power with his urge to protect his people. The brand new historical series was done for their national broadcaster France Television where it already aired back in May. Stay tuned as tomorrow I will have another French costume drama for you.

 

PARIS POLICE 1910 THE THIRD SEASON OF THE POPULAR PERIOD SET SERIES TO RETURN THIS APRIL

    PARIS POLICE 1910  

PERIOD SET SERIES SEASON THREE

The third season of the popular series that saw first season Paris Police 1900 out in 2021 and then Paris Police 1905 out in 2022 will arrive titled PARIS POLICE 1910 this year after the premiere at Canneseries festival. Jérémie Laheurte is back as Antoine Jouin. The story will be set in 31 May 1908. Marguerite “Meg” Steinheil (Evelyne Brochu) is found tied up in her bed; her husband and her own mother are dead, murdered in the next room. This sensitive case, involving the famous “Pompe Funèbre”, is assigned to Inspector Jouin. The investigation moves swiftly, and Meg soon goes from being a victim to the prime suspect; Fiersi (Thibaut Evrard) and Prefect Lépine (Marc Barbé) himself are said to be implicated. Cornered, Meg calls a press conference: she is ready to tell “the whole truth”… But what truth? The six part season arrives to Canal+ this April.

FIRST IMAGES WITH VICTOR BELMONDO FROM NEW 19TH CENTURY SET TV ADAPTATION OF THE RED AND THE BLACK

  THE RED AND THE BLACK 

PERIOD SET STENDHAL TV ADAPTATION

To be presented at Canneseries this year is France Televisions' four episode period set TV series adaptation of Stendhal's famous novel THE RED AND THE BLACK (Le rouge et le noir) set in 1828. The restored monarchy is faltering, a new revolution rumbling. In this troubled France, Julien Sorel (our gorgeous and sweet Victor Belmondo), poor son of a carpenter is ready to do anything to rise socially. Torn between the Red and the Black, between the military ambition and the ecclesiastical career, but also between two women that everything opposes, he will have to pay the price of his choices. Virginie Ledoyen, Camille Razat, Patrick Timsit also star. Hope we get more images and possibly a trailer for the new historical television series soon. Stay tuned as we will be following this one closely in the upcoming period.

CAST SET FOR HENRY III OF FRANCE QUEER COURT MOVIE BY THE KING'S FAVOR SET IN THE 16TH CENTURY

   BY THE KING'S FAVOR  

PERIOD SET QUEER COURT DRAMA FILM

Continuing our spotlight on new period set international dramas, today we are in France with historical movie BY THE KING'S FAVOR which unfolds within the court of Henry III (Theodore Pellerin), the 16th century French king and son of Catherine de’ Medici, who navigated the Wars of Religion with the support of his all-male courtiers, the so-called “mignons,” long rumored to be his lovers. It centers on a tense love triangle between the king, his chief advisor Odon (Felix Kysyl), and a young milliner, Jean-Baptiste (Filippo Scotti), whom Odon brings to court to replace the king’s previous favorite. In doing so, Odon commits a forbidden act: he falls for the newcomer, forcing him to navigate the treacherous line between desire and loyalty.

SEE NICOLAS DUVAUCHELLE, GREGORY FITOUSSI, GUILLAUME GOUIX IN THE 16TH CENTURY SET MINI SERIES FORTUNES OF FRANCE BASED ON ROBERT MERLE'S LEGENDARY SAGA

  FORTUNES OF FRANCE  

The series is available on Prime Video

HISTORICAL SERIES FROM FRANCE 

Some two years ago I told you that Robert Merle's 13 books long saga FORTUNES OF FRANCE (Fortune de France) is being turned into a six episode mini series by France2 with our dear Nicolas Duvauchelle starring alongside Gregory Fitoussi and Guillaume Gouix! The historical series, which used more than 750 extras in the production, aired in France last year, but it is now available on Prime Video for streaming. Check out the trailer with English language subtitles below and tell us what you think. 

 THE SERIES IS SET IN

Black Périgord, Château de Mespech, 1557. The religious wars are threatening to spread through France. Behind the ramparts of the castle of Mespech, surrounded by a dangerous, hostile and intolerant world, the Siorac family fights for its survival and its convictions. Jean (Nicolas Duvauchelle), the father, is forced to reconnect with violence to defend his ideals. Isabelle (Lucie Debay), the mother, fights to exist in a world where men make the law. Pierre (Simon Zampieri) and François (Marcel Thompson), the sons, suddenly enter adulthood, torn like their country between the Protestant faith of their father and the Catholic fervor of their mother. There is the life of a community, masters and servants, parents and children, epidemics, adversaries, battles and mourning, science and superstitions and love stories. The series is also known as The Huguenots at some places.

 

SEEDS OF CHANGE 19TH CENTURY SET FRENCH DRAMA GETS US STREAMING DATE AND TRAILER

 SEEDS OF CHANGE 

PERIOD SET SERIES GETS US AIR DATE

I announced this one three years ago when it aired in France but their mini series AND MOUNTAIN WILL BLOOM (Et la montagne fleurira), a six part saga based on Françoise Bourdon’s novel “Le Mas des Tilleuls” is arriving to MHz Choice at Prime Video April 22nd ! Set in 1837 in Provence, it follows a man, Jean Baptiste (Guillaume Arnault), who was banned from this childhood home by his father after being wrongfully accused of having abused his step mother, Seraphine (Hélène de Fougerolles) Jean Baptiste runs away to live with his aunt and eventually become a merchant of

Guillaume Arnault leads the cast of the new series

rare flowers and finds love with Lila. But his happiness is crushed when a revolt spreads across Provence, forcing him to reclaim rights over his family property and confronts wounds from his childhood.

 

PREMIUM SPOTLIGHT ON NEW 17TH CENTURY SET HISTORICAL FRENCH SERIES MAIDENS OF FIRE (FILLES DU FEU) INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS

 MAIDENS OF FIRE SERIES  

SET IN 17TH CENTURY FRANCE

The series is currently airing on France 2

While we are waiting to hear casting updates or anything new on the announced second season of Marie Antoinette, another historical series is coming from France: MAIDENS OF FIRE (Filles du feu), a new six episode historical series is currently airing on their France 2 channel with new episodes every Monday night. Anabel Lopez, Lizzie Brochere, Zoe Adjani and Bruno Debrandt lead the cast of the new period set show.

 THE STORY IS SET IN 1609

in the Basque Country. Coming from a long line of healers who also kill babies by performing abortions, three sisters see their lives endangered and jeopardized by the arrival of judge and passionate demonologist Pierre De Lancre in the region. He has been commissioned by king Henry IV himself. Hostile and terrified of women's freedom and knowledge, he will lead what will be one of the deadliest witch hunts in France. Plunged into a nightmare, the three sisters find themselves having to fight, each in their own way, to try to survive... Icy cold and deeply ruthless, Pierre de Lancre multiplies atrocities over the episodes to impose his vision of the world, torturing then executing numerous women in the process.

 DEZZY'S HISTORY LESSON

Born in 1553 in Bordeaux, Pierre de Lancre was a French judge and magistrate who was commissioned in 1609 by King Henry IV to purge the country of all sorcerers and witches under the influence of demons. For four months he worked actively to instruct and judge. It was in the small province of Labourd in the Basque Country that Pierre de Lancre had between 70 and 200 women arrested and then executed for witchcraft. You can also check out the trailer below:

1ST NICOLAS DUVAUCHELLE, GREGORY FITOUSSI, GUILLAUME GOUIX IMAGES FROM THE SET OF 16TH CENTURY MINI SERIES FORTUNES OF FRANCE BASED ON ROBERT MERLE'S LEGENDARY SAGA

  FORTUNES OF FRANCE  

FIRST HISTORICAL SERIES SET IMAGES ARE HERE

While the strike season is on we will, as usual, stick to Europe, so today I have something new from France for you: last year they had a number of historical mini series led by The King's Favourite and Marie Antoinette,

Nicolas Duvauchelle leads the series as the family patriarch

but this year they are adapting one of their most beloved series of historical novels - Robert Merle's 13 books long saga FORTUNES OF FRANCE (Fortune de France) is being turned into a six episode mini series by France

Gregory Fitoussi and Lucie Debay star in the new series

2! Today you can check out first set photos showing us the lead stars in full costume: and it is an ensemble cast led by our dear Nicolas Duvauchelle

Blandine Bellavoir and Guillaume Gouix also star

alongside Gregory Fitoussi and Guillaume Gouix! The historical series, which used more than 750 extras in the production, will air next year.

 

 THE SERIES IS SET IN

Black Périgord, Château de Mespech, 1557. The religious wars are threatening to spread through France. Behind the ramparts of the castle of Mespech, surrounded by a dangerous, hostile and intolerant world, the Siorac family fights for its survival and its convictions. Jean (Nicolas Duvauchelle), the father, is forced to reconnect with violence to defend his ideals. Isabelle (Lucie Debay), the mother, fights to exist in a world where men make the law. Pierre (Simon Zampieri) and François (Marcel Thompson), the sons, suddenly enter adulthood, torn like their country between the Protestant faith of their father and the Catholic fervor of their mother. There is the life of a community, masters and servants, parents and children, epidemics, adversaries, battles and mourning, science and superstitions and love stories.

PREMIUM SPOTLIGHT ON NEW FRENCH WW1 HISTORICAL SERIES WOMEN AT WAR WHICH ARRIVES TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK

    WOMEN AT WAR  

NEW FRENCH TV SERIES

The French were relatively active last year in the historical genre, with Marie Antoinette and Diane de Poitiers and some other costume dramas, and they

The series hits Netflix next week

are launching 2023 with WOMEN AT WAR (Les Combattantes) as the first series of that genre coming to us this year from France. The eight part historical drama actually already aired in France and the French speaking countries last Autumn, but the audience around the world will be able to watch it from January 19th, which is next Thursday, when it starts streaming over at Netflix! Tcheky Karyo, Tom Leeb, Yannick Choirat, Vincent Rottiers also star in the series beside the female leads mentioned below who play four women during World War I: a nun, a feminist nurse, a prostitute, and a widow turned factory boss. As usual Netflix did not deem it fit to issue posters or a trailer for a foreign series, but I found you one with English subtitles below:

  STORY IS SET IN SEPTEMBER 1914
For several weeks, the fighting has been raging. In a small village in the east of France, a few kilometers from the German zone, four women find themselves thrown into the heart of the horror: Marguerite (Audrey Fleurot), a Parisian prostitute as mysterious as she is flamboyant who is suspected of being a spy ; Caroline (Sofia Essaïdi), wife of Victor Dewitt, owner of a car factory, went to the front. She sees herself propelled to the head of the family business, a colossal and unprecedented challenge for a woman at the beginning of the century; Agnès (Julie De Bona), mother superior of a convent requisitioned and transformed into a military hospital. Overwhelmed by the influx of wounded soldiers, Agnès is more tormented and questions her life choices; and Suzanne (Camille Lou), a young feminist nurse on the run since an abortion that went wrong... All their destinies intersect as German troops advance, men leave for the front lines, and they are forced to grapple with the devastating consequences of war at home.

SEE HUGO BECKER, MELANIE LAURENT, PIO MARMAI, DANNY HUSTON IN TEMPETE ENCHANTING RACEHORSE MOVIE

  TEMPETE MOVIE TRAILER  

RIDE ABOVE

Since Hollywood is still enjoying its holiday slumber, we are moving over to France today where the latest movie adaptation of Christophe Donner's novel

Tempete is out since December 21st!

Tempete au Haras has been airing in cinemas since December 21st starring our boy Hugo Becker alongside Melanie Laurent, Pio Marmai, Carole Bouquet and Danny Huston.

RIDE ABOVE follows teenager Zoe, who born and raised among horses on a racehorse stable farm, leads a happy life driven by the dream of one day becoming a rider as her father. Zoe's favorite horse gives birth to a foal they name Storm. She will be the first to see in her the champion that her family has always been waiting for but an accident will leave her with a serious problem. They will have to battle together to achieve victory. The critics praise film's rich characterisation, sophisticated dialogues and moral and emotional depth.

SEE TRAILER AND POSTERS FOR PERIOD SET CRIME TV SERIES PARIS POLICE 1905 SECOND SEASON WHICH STARTS TOMORROW

  PARIS POLICE 1905  

2ND SEASON IS BACK TOMORROW

After the forced wokeness and diversity have pretty much killed period set genre in its motherland England, France and Germany have stepped up and

The second season starts tomorrow!

pretty much took over the costume drama genre into their motherly embraces. France was quite active in this field this year and they are closing the year with PARIS POLICE 1905 the second season of the series that became popular on many international broadcasters and I think you can catch the first season in English over on Amazon's MHz Choice channel. It was also available on BBC in UK and Sky Italy and Germany. Now the second season arrives tomorrow, December 12th to our dear Canal + who has just finished airing Marie Antoinette (which starts on BBC Two December 29th and in March on PBS Masterpiece and is already available Down Under on Foxtel). Jérémie Laheurte, Evelyne Brochu, Thibaut Evrard again lead the cast! Set five years after the first season, new season shows how homosexuals were persecuted in the same way as prostitutes, in a patriarchal and homophobic society that interferes in people's intimacy and sexuality.

 

THE SECOND SEASON OPENS ON
Christmas 1904. "No prostitutes in the streets of Paris during Holy Night": under political and media pressure, the prefect is forced to organize a raid. He entrusts the dirty work to the morality police. An unidentified dead man is discovered in the Bois de Boulogne. Suicide... or murder? This investigation leads Inspector Antoine Jouin into a clandestine and secret territory, where the whole of Paris comes to satisfy their impulses. Jouin will have to leave the beaten track... at his own risk and peril, to enter a whirlwind of vice, corruption and blackmail.