| Alpha | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Julia Ducournau |
| Screenplay by | Julia Ducournau |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ruben Impens |
| Edited by | Jean-Christophe Bouzy |
Production companies |
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| Country | France |
| Language | French |
Alpha is an upcoming French film written and directed by Julia Ducournau. [3] Starring Golshifteh Farahani and Tahar Rahim, the film follows Alpha, an 11-year-old girl in a fictional 1980s city inspired by New York. As the AIDS epidemic unfolds worldwide, one of her parents falls ill, forcing her to confront loss and her own mortality for the first time. [4] [5]
The film has been described by distributors FilmNation and Charades as Ducournau's "most personal, profound work". [6] In preparation of the film, Ducournau traveled to New York City to meet one of the founding members of ACT UP, a psychiatrist specializing in transgenerational trauma and a hypnotherapist involved in past-life regression. [7]
Principal photography took place in Le Havre in September and October 2024. [8] [9] From 23–24 October onwards, a public swimming pool in Pont-Audemer was used as a filming location, chosen for its 1980s appearance. [10] [note 1] 35 days were spent filming in Normandy, [2] followed by continued filming in Paris into November. [11] [9] Alpha stars Golshifteh Farahani and Tahar Rahim. Rahim lost 20 kilograms for his role. [12]
Neon, an American independent film distribution company, bought North American distribution rights at the Marché du Film of the 77th Cannes Film festival. [13] The film is expected to receive its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. [9] [10] [14]