“Laissez-moi” (Leave Me), the first film supported by the Valais Film Commission, is unveiled at Cannes.
Sion, 16 May 2023.
The first feature film by Genevan director Maxime Rappaz, which was produced by GoldenEggProduction and filmed last summer in Val d’Hérens, Val des Dix and Chablais, has been selected by ACID for its parallel programme dedicated to independent cinema.
Valais represented at Cannes
This Swiss feature film is notable for being the first project supported by the new commission, which is dedicated to cinema in Valais. “Laissez-moi” tells the story of a woman (Jeanne Balibar) escaping her reality. Staying at a hotel in the mountains once a week, she has encounters with men who are passing through. Then comes the day when one of them (Thomas Sarbacher) decides to extend his stay for her. Shot entirely in Valais, the film showcases the canton’s scenery, landscapes and lowland locations. The world premiere screening takes place on 17 May. To celebrate the film’s prestigious selection, a themed event based around Valais will be held on the following evening.
“It’s a great opportunity to promote Valais and the services offered by the Valais Film Commission. We are very proud of our contribution to the realisation of this project, and we are delighted that the film has been selected at Cannes,” says Tristan Albrecht, Valais Film Commissioner.
This Swiss, French and Belgian co-production was able to secure financial assistance from the Valais Film Commission (VFC) by filming in the canton. The aim of the VFC is to attract Swiss and international film shoots to Valais to create direct and indirect economic added value. It also enhances the profile of the canton through the films it supports, developing an industry with local cinematographic skills. Besides logistical, administrative and/or artistic support, the Valais Film Commission offers a cash rebate. It can range from 15 to 35% for the production of feature-length fiction films, animated films, and series, provided that some of the money is spent in Valais. Although similar systems exist in many other countries, this is a first in Switzerland. It puts Valais in a unique position in the audio-visual landscape in both francophone Switzerland and the nation.
Further information:
Contact
Press department of the Valais Film Commission,
films@valais.ch, 027 327 36 12
