Neon is circling U.S. rights to Audrey Diwan‘s English-language debut, “Emmanuelle,” an erotic drama that started filming in September in Paris with Noemie Merlant starring in the titular role.
The film is inspired by Emmanuelle Arsan’s novel and is based on a script co-developed by Diwan and Rebecca Zlotowski (“Other People’s Children”). The book centers on a woman and the series of erotic fantasies that she entertains. It was previously made into a 1974 film of the same name, directed by Just Jaeckin, and starring Sylvia Kristel. That film developed as a cult hit.
Diwan is best known for her sophomore outing, “Happening,” which received critical raves and won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. “Happening” tells the story of a woman obtaining an illegal abortion in the 1960s. After its Venice premiere, the film went on to win the César Award for best female newcomer for Anamaria Vartolomei and earned nominations at BAFTAs and at DGA Awards, among others.
Lea Seydoux was previously attached to star in “Emmanuelle” and was replaced by Merlant, a critically acclaimed French actor who broke through in Céline Sciamma’s“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” and made her English-speaking debut in Todd Field’s Oscar nominated “Tár” in which she starred opposite Cate Blanchett.
“Emmanuelle” is produced by RectangleProductions (“Happening”), Chantelouve andGoodfellas. The film is repped by the Veterans and CAA Media Finance. Diwan is represented by CAA and Adéquat; Zlotowski is represented by CAA.
