Bordeaux: The new Paris for film productions

The city rises as an alternative to the French capital, as Les Valseurs sets filming for the period film, “Chopin! Chopin!”

4 OCT 2024

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Bordeaux is emerging as the new hotspot for film productions, offering a unique backdrop that Paris can no longer authentically recreate. With its rich architectural heritage and well-preserved historical settings, The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and the city of Bordeaux - with its exceptional architectural and cultural heritage, featuring over 400 historical monuments - provide an unparalleled environment for period films. This transformation has been highlighted by recent high-profile projects such as Wes Anderson’s “The French Dispatch” and Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel.” Now, Bordeaux is poised to further cement its status as a premier filming destination with “Chopin! Chopin!,” an ambitious period film produced by Akson Studio in Poland, with the French shoot entrusted to Les Valseurs as the line producer.

As Paris modernizes, it has become increasingly difficult to replicate the pre-Haussmann Paris of the 19th century authentically. Bordeaux, with its stunning historical architecture and charming cityscape, offers the perfect setting to bring 1830s Paris to life. Key filming locations such as the Place des Quinconces and Palais Rohan highlight the city’s capacity to offer period-specific settings, making it an ideal choice for filmmakers seeking authenticity.

Les Valseurs, based in Bordeaux since 2021 and renowned for their boutique approach and international success with projects such as “Nefta Football Club” by Yves Piat, nominated for the Oscars, “Sans Coeur” by Nara Normande and Tião, selected at the Venice Film Festival, and the animated feature “Animal Tales of Christmas Magic,” selected at the Annecy Festival this year, will begin filming a historical biopic on October 7. This film, directed by Michal Kwiecinski, and starring Eryk Kulm, Josephine de la Baume, and Lambert Wilson, produced by Akson Studio in Poland, explores the life of the renowned composer Frédéric Chopin through 11 distinct chapters, immersing audiences in the vibrant Paris of the 1830s. It delves into Chopin’s personal and professional journey, capturing both the artistic and historical essence of the period. The project involves nearly 800 local hires, including technicians and extras, showcasing the company’s capacity to orchestrate grand projects and stimulate the regional economy.

“With ‘Chopin! Chopin!,’ we are taking a bold step into production services, combining our dedication to international excellence with a deep passion for regional cinema. Bordeaux is becoming a key destination for major film projects, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation," said Charles Audinet, Line Producer at Les Valseurs.

"We are immensely proud to leverage the expertise and enthusiasm of local teams for this major project. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for international shoots, and we believe that ‘Chopin! Chopin!’ is just the beginning of a significant new chapter for us as executive producers," added Justin Pechberty, Producer at Les Valseurs.

As Bordeaux emerges as a premier destination for film productions, “Chopin! Chopin!” stands as a testament to the city’s rich historical ambiance and burgeoning role in the global film industry. With Les Valseurs leading the charge, this project not only celebrates the life of one of history’s greatest composers but also exemplifies Bordeaux's potential as a significant hub for major cinematic endeavors. As the city continues to attract high-profile productions, “Chopin! Chopin!” marks the beginning of a promising new era for Bordeaux in the world of filmmaking.