EXCLUSIVE: Pulsar Content has acquired world sales rights for Joséphine Japy’s upcoming feature The Wonderers following a family navigating the severe disability of the youngest daughter.
Produced by Cowboys Films, the feature marks Japy’s first time in the director’s chair.
The actress was recently seen in Netflix’s BAFTA-winning fictionalized Bernard Tapie biopic Class Act, with previous credits including On The Wandering Paths, Love At Second Sight, Breathe, as well as Claude François biopic My Way, early on in her career.
Set against the backdrop of a summer on the French riviera, the drama revolves around the Roussier family and its fragile equilibrium shaped by the uncertain diagnosis of its youngest daughter, 13-year-old Bertille, who suffers from a severe disability.
Her parents and 17-year-old older sister Marion live in constant fear of losing her. Disconnected from typical teenage dreams, Marion seeks escape in a relationship with an older boy.
When a new diagnosis emerges, the family’s future is redefined, opening up unexpected possibilities. Bertille will live, and so will the family.
The film sees Japy team up again with French actress and director Mélanie Laurent, after she starred in the latter’s feature Breathe ten years ago, winning a César as best revelation.
Laurent (Murder Mystery 2, Inglorious Bastard) co-stars alongside Canadian actor Pierre-Yves Cardinal, whose recent credits include Monia Chokri’s The Nature Of Love, as well as emerging talents Angelina Woreth, who is in Venice this year in competition title And Their Children After Them and Félix Kysyl (De Gaulle, Misericordia), and newcomer Sarah Pachoud.
“We are delighted to be on board Joséphine Japy and Cowboy Filmsʼ ambitious and daring The Wonderers,” said Pulsar Content. “The script is incredibly human and heartwarming. It is no surprise both Joséphineʼs writing and appealing vision gathered such a strong team of wonderful talent, promising a beautiful movie.”
Principal photography will start on September 18 in the South of France and the film is set to be completed by mid-2025. Apollo Distribution will release in France.
“We are thrilled to support Joséphine Japy in the creation of her first feature film which embodies universal values,” said Cowsboys Films.
“By celebrating the joy of life while exploring themes such as grief, self-discovery, and tolerance, Joséphine brings a profoundly original and accessible perspective to a delicate subject. With gentleness, humor, and remarkable intelligence, she is already establishing herself as a future great filmmaker.”
Pulsar Content will rollout sales on the movie at TIFF.
The company’s recent lineup include Cannesʼ Un Certain Regard title Niki, Céline Salletteʼs first feature about Niki de Saint-Phalle with Charlotte Le Bon in the lead; the Cannesʼ Critics week title Block Pass by Antoine Chevrollier; as well as the musical The Opera!, starring Vincent Cassel, Fanny Ardant and Rossy De Palma, and Michele Placido’s Eternal Visionary about Luigi Pirandello.
The post Pulsar Content Boards Joséphine Japy’s ‘The Wonderers’ With Mélanie Laurent, Pierre-Yves Cardinal & Angelina Woreth appeared first on Deadline.
