Description

French film maker Celine Sciamma discusses her film Girlhood 2014. Set in the suburbs of Paris it focuses on a group of teenage girls. The film is a coming of age story where friendship is a safe haven and a positive influence. Sciamma says she wanted to make a film about a group of black girls because they aren't represented, she goes on to say that she was tired of waiting for a film that addresses these issues, so took it upon herself. Sciamma says she wanted to capture all the differing aspects of the girls personalities and their friendships using a mix of improvisation and script. She talks about the talented leading actress Karidja Touré and the casting process where she witnessed so much amazing potential in the next generation of girls. Sciamma goes on to reference a stand out scene when the girls in the film are dancing and singing to a Rhianna song and explains how music is an important part of her work. The next film discussed is Water Lillies 2007 another coming of age tale following a trio of synchronised swimmers over one summer, highlighting the uncertainty of teenage sexuality and angst. Sciamma talks about rising star Actress Adèle Haenel who is already an award winning actress won two Cèsars to date. Sciamma moves on to Tomboy 2011 a film about confusion and belonging. Here she talks about her aim when writing - being obsessed with the audience, wanting to pull them in, get them emotionally involved through the dialogue. Sciamma closes by detailing that on having now completed her trilogy of 'coming of age films' she is looking to work with more established, professional actors and 'breaking out' - by directing an English language film or going to America, although adding that ultimately she sees it as 'more of a state of mind'.

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