Though “Portait of a Lady on Fire” received universal acclaim and a ton of award recognition from groups like Cannes, the Lumières, the Césars, and the Independent Spirit Awards, the fact that the film wasn’t even in the running for any Oscars is terribly sad. Regardless, Celine Sciamma’s 2019 film is oft-regarded as an instant classic and easily one of the best features of last year. And thankfully, it appears we won’t have to wait too much longer for the filmmaker’s next feature.
According to Variety, Sciamma has already begun production on her next film, titled “Petitie maman.” The exact plot of the film is unknown at this time, but the story is expected to explore childhood and will star two eight-year-old children in the primary roles. For her new feature, Sciamma is once again teaming with producer Bénédicte Couvreur at Lilies Films, and MK2 Films, who will handle the sales. In addition, the filmmaker is also going to work with cinematographer Claire Mathon, who previously served in the same role in Sciamma’s recent hit, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.”
As mentioned, “Petite maman” is the next film on Sciamma’s schedule and will mark her fifth feature as a director. In addition to ‘Portrait,’ the filmmaker helmed features, “Water Lilies” (2007), “Tomboy” (2011), and “Girlhood” (2014). While there is normally a three or four-year gap between films, with “Petite maman,” it looks like Sciamma is going to have a new feature sooner than we might expect, as production is already beginning.
Obviously, with production underway, we will hopefully be on the lookout for “Petite maman” sometime in 2021, perhaps with a debut at a fall film festival? We’ll have to wait and see.