Ένας θρίαμβος|Un Triomphe

Directed by Emmanuel Courcol, this French production was an official selection at Cannes Film Festival in 2020, also winning the Audience Award at Angoulême Film Festival. It took part in Zurich Film Festival as a Gala Screening, and was the closing film of Torino Film Festival. The Big Hit went on to win the Best European Comedy Award by the European Film Academy.

Etienne, an often out-of-work but endearing actor, runs a theatre workshop in a prison, where he brings together an unlikely troupe of prisoners to stage Samuel Beckett’s famous play Waiting for Godot. When he is allowed to take the colourful band of convicts on tour outside of prison, Etienne finally has the chance to thrive.

This profoundly humane and heartfelt comedy, inspired by true events, features Cesar-winning actor Kad Merad (Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis, Don’t Worry, I’m Fine, Le Petit Nicolas, Les Choristes, War of the Buttons, Mes Stars et Moi). It is written and directed by the creator of the critically acclaimed In the Name of the Land.

The film is based on true events. In 1985, Swedish actor and director Jan Jönson staged Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot with the inmates of the Kumla high-security prison. On the day of the premiere, some of the actors escaped before the performance, an event that fascinated Beckett himself.

Inspired by the true events that took place during the historic staging of the play, Emmanuel Courcol sets up a funny yet moving hymn to the liberating power of art. At the same time, the film constitutes a sharp study on the limits of art and life, reminding the viewer that the latter may often surpass any imagined story.

Reviews:
“Ingenious, generous, crafted in the style of comedies by Nakache & Toledano (Les Intouchables), written and infallibly played by the talented Kad Merad”. Le Figaro
“A heartfelt, humane film based on a true story, with astonishing Kad Merad playing the lead: an unemployed actor conducting a theatre workshop in prison”. Télérama
“Truly touching and funny. Stellar performances”. Le Parisien

Rialto Cinema @SEK Parking Place

All films will be screened in their original language with Greek and English subtitles.

Duration: 105'

Tickets: €8