"That Summer in Paris": A Film That Captures the Unique Atmosphere of Paris During the Olympics
Amidst the mass exodus from Paris ahead of last year's Olympic Games, actress and filmmaker Valentine Cadic created a captivating film, "That Summer in Paris." Set to screen on February 15th at the Berlin Film Festival's Perspectives section, the film explores the intimate lives of individuals affected by the grand spectacle.
Drawing inspiration from her documentary background and Justine Triet's "Age of Panic," Cadic seamlessly blends fiction with reality. The film utilizes the vibrant crowds and fan-zones as backdrops for a personal drama about a young woman's search for connection.
"Mixing make-believe with real life," Cadic notes, "I questioned the impact of the event on those involved, from athletes to spectators to the city itself." The urgency of the Olympics deadline provided motivation and energy for the low-budget production.
Embracing the spontaneity of live sports, the crew prepared multiple scene versions. Amidst the official areas, they blended in with other camera crews, even having an extra impersonate an Olympics employee to provide information to unsuspecting tourists.
"That's when we knew our costumes were authentic," Cadic remarks.
The film even features Olympian French swimmer Beryl Gastaldello, who contributed footage from the athlete's village. The crew faced an unusual situation when filming pick-ups.
"Beryl was swimming and waving to an empty crowd," Cadic says. "We cheered her along, adding atmosphere to the scene."
Rather than a postcard view of the games, "That Summer in Paris" captures a unique moment in the life of Paris. "The city was strangely quiet and empty during the Olympics," Cadic recalls. "This silence allowed us to observe and explore what might happen."
Cadic embraces constraints in filmmaking. "I prefer documentaries' adaptability to unexpected situations. The best moments come from surprises," she says. "However, a team that can seamlessly integrate these elements is crucial."