The Red Sea International Film Festival is backing Maïwenn’s upcoming period drama Jeanne du Barry

Image credit: ©Stephanie Branchu/Why Not Productions

The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea IFF), today announced through the Red Sea film Foundation, they are backing the upcoming French period drama Jeanne du Barry directed, co-written and featuring French actress and filmmaker Maïwenn (The Fifth Element, The Man In The Hat). The film stars Johnny Depp as 18th century French King Louis XV, with Maïwenn playing the role of the titular courtesan, Madame du Barry.

‘Jeanne du Barry’ also stars Pierre Richard, Benjamin Lavernhe, Noémie Lvovsky, Melvil Poupaud, India Hair and Pascal Greggory.

Shot in France and currently in post-production, ‘Jeanne du Barry’ is Maïwenn’s sixth feature which she also co-wrote with Teddy Lussi-Modeste and Nicolas Livecchi. The film has been acquired by Netflix for France after local theatrical release by Le Pacte, and is produced by Why Not Production Company’s Pascal Caucheteux and Grégoire Sorlat, Johnny Depp’s production company IN.2, La Petite Reine and France Télévisions, with the Red Sea IFF serving as executive producers, and Wild Bunch International serving as sales’ agent.

Image credit: ©Stephanie Branchu/Why Not Productions

Since 2019, the Red Sea film Foundation has supported the development, production, and post-production of 170 films from the Arab world and Africa. ‘Jeanne du Barry’ is the Red Sea IFF’s first international co-production with France and demonstrates the Festival’s ongoing mission to support distinctive filmmaking and champion visionary female talent both on and behind the camera from around the world.

Mohammed Al Turki; CEO of the Red Sea IFF said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Maïwenn’s upcoming feature ‘Jeanne du Barry’. This is a film that immediately interested us, it’s an incredibly unique and ambitious biographical feature and a testament to our commitment to supporting new talent and collaborating with world-class writers, directors and producers. We hope this collaboration will strengthen the ties between Saudi and French cinema and the first of many international films that we can support that advocate for women filmmakers.”