05 February 2024
Newsdesk
Sienna Miller is confirmed to executive produce short film ‘Marion’ from young filmmakers, BAFTA-nominated Joe Weiland (‘Gorka’) and Finn Constantine.
‘Marion’ is a story set against the backdrop of La Course Landaise – the French tradition of bull-jumping. It follows the journey of Marion, a mother, who is also the only female bull-jumper in France.
The short tracks the tense fifteen minutes before her first performance in a packed French arena. As she prepares, being the only woman in the team, the film explores her battle against misogyny and prejudiced attitudes. A journey of one woman through an all-male world - juggling motherhood and the contentious pursuit of her passion.
Marion is played by Caroline Larbère – a real French bull-jumper whose story inspired the script written by Weiland and Constantine. Caroline’s resilience as the only woman in this male-dominated sport acts as the crux of the film.
Marion follows Weiland’s directorial debut ‘Gorka’ which has been nominated in the British Short Film category at the 2024 BAFTAs, following its Official Selection at the BFI London Film Festival. Inspired by real events, ‘Gorka’, which was produced by Alex Jefferson through Somesuch, tells the story of a French exchange student visiting England for the first time.
While ‘Marion’ marks Constantine’s move into narrative filmmaking, alongside his work as a director and photographer in the fashion, art and music industry.
Writer/Directors Weiland and Constantine say: “Marion is a film with real heart. A story of courage. When we met Caroline – we just couldn’t shake off her story. Her resilience in the face of adversity as the sole woman in this male-dominated French world. But we didn’t want to make a documentary. We wanted to bring this world to life through fiction - with Caroline playing herself.” Weiland adds - “My last film Gorka followed a French exchange student in England so now, with myself going to France, there was a beautiful role reversal.”
Executive Producer Sienna Miller says: “I couldn’t be more excited to be Executive Producing Joe & Finn’s next film ‘Marion’. It’s the beautiful story of Caroline and I’m feeling quite smug that I managed to join the Joe Weiland train as it’s leaving the station. Gorka had me laughing then crying my eyes out. Marion feels like the next step of an exciting journey.”
‘Marion’ is a co-production between OB42 in the UK and Solab Pictures in France.
Production took place on location in Bayonne Arena in December 2023.
