The Weinstein Company has acquired U.S. rights to Saul Dibb's WWII drama "Suite Francaise," which will star Michelle Williams, Matthias Schoenaerts and Kristin Scott Thomas.
TF1 Droits Audiovisuels and Entertainment One are producing the film, which is based on the bestselling work of Irene Nemirovsky and starts shooting June 24 in Belgium and Paris.
Set in 1940s France, story follows Lucile Angellier (Williams), who leads a stifled existence with her mean, controlling mother-in-law (Thomas). Parisian refugees soon pour into their small town, followed by a regiment of German soldiers who take up residence in the villagers' homes. In the Angellier home, Lucile initially tries to ignore Bruno, the handsome and refined German officer staying with them. But soon, a powerful love draws them together and leads them into the tragedy of war.
"Suite Française" is a France/UK/Belgium co-production that TF1 will release in France, while eOne will handle direct distribution in the UK, Spain and Canada. Sales agent TF1 International is in advanced negotiations for other outstanding territories that will be announced later at Cannes.
Xavier Marchand will produce on behalf of eOne with Romain Brémond producing on behalf of TF1 DA. The film is also being produced by Qwerty Films’ Michael Kuhn and Andrea Cornwell. Harvey Weinstein will serve as an executive producer, as the Weinstein Co. will also handle distribution rights in Latin America, Australia, Russia and Germany.
“Irene Nemirovsky thrilled the world when they discovered her novel,” said Weinstein. “Having worked with Michelle Williams on a number of films including 'Blue Valentine' and 'My Week With Marilyn,' I am excited to partner with her once more. I enjoyed working with Xavier Marchand on 'The King's Speech' and Saul Dibb wrote an exceptional script and I am sure he'll direct a brilliant film.”
“This inspired project has drawn a very talented team of partners together,” added Marchand. “Harvey brings an unparalleled savoir-faire and we’re absolutely delighted to join forces with The Weinstein Company on 'Suite Francaise.'”
Fifty years after her death in a concentration camp, Nemirovsky’s unfinished novel, "Suite Francaise," was discovered by her daughter. TF1 DA acquired right to the book in 2007 from Denoel Editions and the novel has since been adapted for the screen by "The Duchess" director Dibb and co-writer Matt Charman.
