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MARIA MONTESSORI: THE NEW WOMAN, directed by Léa Todorov with Leïla Bekhti and Jasmine Trinca, presented in Canadian premiere at CINEMANIA
On display from November 22, 2024
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TVA Films is pleased to announce that the film MARIA MONTESSORI: THE NEW WOMAN, directed by Léa Todorov, will be released on November 22 in Quebec. Franco-Italian co-production, the film which stars Leïla Bekhti (The Intranquilles, I will always see your faces) as well as the Italian actress Jasmine Trinca (The Italian Dream, Fortunata), will have its Canadian premiere on November 11 and 13, as part of the CINEMANIA Francophone Film Festival.
Synopsis
In 1900, Lili d’Alengy, a famous Parisian courtesan, has a shameful secret – her daughter Tina, born with a disability. Unwilling to take care of a child who threatens her career, she decides to leave Paris for Rome. There she met Maria Montessori, a doctor who developed a revolutionary learning method for children who were then called “deficient”. But Maria also hides a secret: a child born out of wedlock. Together, the two women will help each other to gain their place in this man’s world and write history.
French director and screenwriter Léa Todorov signs her first feature film with MARIA MONTESSORI: THE NEW WOMAN, years after working on a documentary on alternative pedagogies and in particular on the work of Maria Montessori. Returning to the origins of the Montessori method, the film is carried by a duo of Franco-Italian actresses, Jasmine Trinca (Un Certain Regard Award for Best Actress for Lucky) and the Caesarized actress Leïla Bekhti.
Distributed in Canada by TVA FILMS, MARIA MONTESSORI: THE NEW WOMAN will be released in Quebec on November 22, 2024.
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What can viewers expect from the performances of Leïla Bekhti and Jasmine Trinca in “MARIA MONTESSORI: THE NEW WOMAN”?
Welcome to our interview with two esteemed guests, Leïla Bekhti and Jasmine Trinca, about the upcoming film “MARIA MONTESSORI: THE NEW WOMAN” directed by Léa Todorov, set to premiere in Canada on November 22nd, 2024.
Leïla, starting with you, can you share your perspective on taking on the challenging role of Lili d’Alengy, a famous Parisian courtesan with a secret daughter? How did you prepare for the role, and what drew you to this character?
Leïla Bekhti: Playing Lili d’Alengy was a true journey for me. I prepared for the role by immersing myself in the script and understanding her motivations and personality traits. I researched the life of courtesans during that period in history and tried to capture the nuances of her character. I found it particularly challenging to portray a woman who is able to navigate the complex social norms of her time while also struggling with her own personal demons.
Jasmine, your character, Maria Montessori, also faced significant challenges in her life, including being a single mother and a pioneer in education. How did you approach playing such an influential woman on the big screen?
Jasmine Trinca: Playing Maria Montessori was an honor, and also a great responsibility. I wanted to do justice to her legacy by accurately portraying her struggles and accomplishments. I read extensively about her life and work, watched documentaries, and even visited some of the schools based on her methods. I also met with educators who practice the Montessori method to gain insights into her approach to teaching.
The film explores themes such as disability, motherhood, and career ambitions. What messages do you hope audiences will take away from this story?
Leïla Bekhti: I hope viewers will appreciate the complexities of these themes and understand that women, throughout history, have had to navigate societal expectations while also following their own paths. The film shows the transformative power of empathy and understanding, particularly in the relationship between Lili and Tina.
Jasmine Trinca: Absolutely. The film highlights the importance of accept
