Academy Award Winner Cate Blanchett joins Sienna Miller as an executive producer for short film ‘Marion’. Written and co-directed by emerging filmmakers, BAFTA-nominated Joe Weiland (‘Gorka’) and Finn Constantine. ‘Marion’ is set to premiere at 81stVenice International Film Festival as part of the Orizzonti Short Films International Competition.
‘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 thirteen 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. The film blends fiction and reality, creating a captivating thirteen minutes of tension.
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.
Cate Blanchett says: ‘It’s incredibly rare to experience a short as visceral and intoxicating as ‘Marion’. The edge-of-your-seat directorial blend of reality and fiction still has my heart racing. I couldn’t be more excited to be jumping on board. Finn and Joe are a dynamic duo indeed.’
On partnering with Cate Blanchett executive producer Sienna Miller said: “It’s been wonderful to collaborate with Cate on such a powerful female story. We’re both so honoured to be part of the team, and we can’t wait to show ‘Marion’ to audiences in Venice.”
Writer/Directors Weiland and Constantine say: “It’s such a privilege to be on this journey with Sienna & Cate. We really feed off the passion they show for this story. An important tale about a woman who shows courage and resilience in the face of adversity. We’re so excited to develop it further with this team.”
‘Marion’ follows Weiland’s directorial debut ‘Gorka’ which was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best British Short Film, following its Official Selection at the BFI London Film Festival. Inspired by real events, ‘Gorka’ tells the story of a French exchange student visiting England for the first time.
‘Marion’ marks Constantine’s move into narrative filmmaking, alongside his work as a director and photographer in the fashion, art and music industry.
‘Marion’ is a co-production between OB42 in the UK and Solab Pictures in France. It was produced by Marija Djikic, Nicolas Tiry and Noémie Lisbonis Boyer and shot by cinematographer Harry Wheeler.
Production took place on location in Bayonne Arena in December 2023.
