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The Business

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ director on contradictions of filmmaking in France

American independent filmmakers might envy Céline Sciamma, director of the French film, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.”

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By Kim Masters • Feb 17, 2020 • 28m Listen

Director Céline Sciamma's new film, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” is a passionate historical romance that won two awards at Cannes and praise from critics worldwide. But the reception in her native France was more subdued. She says part of the problem is that French critics say her lesbian love story defies the conventions of the typical love story told through a male gaze. Sciamma tells us about the contradictions of filmmaking in France -- a place that readily funds breakthrough women directors, but still celebrates Roman Polanski.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Kim Masters

    partner/writer at Puck News, host of KCRW's “The Business.”

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Kaitlin Parker

    Producer, 'The Business' and 'Hollywood Breakdown'

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