With Greta Gerwig leading the female charge in Hollywood for more recognition to artists both in front of and behind the camera in these enlightened times of diversity and gender awareness in film-making, more call is clearly going out to those who can contribute significantly to help raise awareness – and the bar – when it comes to good wholesome movies.

The independent sector of the industry remains the most viable and valuable source of artistry and inspiration, especially for female film-makers – and it is here that multi-talented hyphenate Jenna Suru has found a calling with her debut film THE GOLDEN AGE (L’AGE D’OR), which was the ‘Opening Night Gala’ at this year’s London Independent Film Festival 2020.

THE GOLDEN AGE (L'AGE D'OR)

It’s 1967 – and Sebastian Davis (Sebastien Cipolla) is a penniless French/American producer who has fled America to escape some massive debts and an overbearing father to find solace and perhaps a bit more in the streets of Paris. Whilst exploring the streets, he meets and is intrigued by theatre actress Angèle Devaux (Suru) and decides to use her as a guide to help explore the city even more.

The pair get to know each other better – and Angèle has grand and lofty plans to use the principles of art to help change the world along with Sebastien, who himself is clearly taken with the idea of making changes on all fronts.

This leads the pair to embark of a trip to the South of France to Saint-Tropez – and the tantalising prospect of discovering fortune and glory within the pebbled and stylish buildings that the area has, not to mention some incredible water-front locations. This prompts them to try and create something artistically worthwhile that they can be proud of.

THE GOLDEN AGE (L'AGE D'OR)

However, their relationship is about to be tested by their own personal and professional needs, Sebastien with calls from his father and a potential opportunity back Stateside, Angèle with a great offer in Paris which could give her a new stability career-wise….

If this was a film shot in the era that it is set by the likes of Brunel, Luc-Godard and Truffaut, we would be queuing up at the BFI South Bank and at repertory cinemas across the globe to celebrate an interesting effort.

We have all the more cause here to celebrate a dreamy romantic offering that Suru has every reason to be proud of, harking back to an era when there was less money around – and when we could pine to travel to some of the amazing exotic locations seen here.

Suru regards this film as a celebration of Saint-Tropez and it will certainly make people fall in love with the area, with its’ bright canvas of multi-coloured and sandy streets which we are invited to see, as the two key characters explore their own ever-evolving relationship.

For a period film, Suru also achieves considerable success with clever angles and staging that makes you believe it is a period piece.

THE GOLDEN AGE (L'AGE D'OR)

Plot-wise, this is very simple in execution, relying more on the two main performances and the chemistry between Davis and Suru is heartfelt and grounded, with a gentle playfulness as they discover their own inner truths and desires about their lives and each other.

Another strength of the film, although there are references to key historical moments (Vietnam, Woodstock), is that it doesn’t hit you head on with what the outside world is dealing with politically, preferring to focus on the joy of a good old fashioned relationship movie, providing an escapist take that reminds one of the relationship between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the award-winning LA LA LAND.

As writer, producer, director and lead actress, Suru pulls off all roles admirably – and is a talent to watch for the future.

THE GOLDEN AGE screened as part of the London Independent Film Festival.

London Independent Film Festival 2020

Tickets and info below:

http://www.liff.org/

For more about Belle Epoque Films, click on the link here.

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