HanWay Boards ‘A French Pursuit’ With Toni Collette; Comedy-Drama Reimagines French Hit ‘My Donkey, My Lover & I’ – EFM

Melanie Goodfellow

5 February 2024 at 6:28 am·2-min read

HanWay Films has boarded sales on Catherine Hardwicke’s upcoming comedy drama A French Pursuit starring Toni Collette, ahead of the EFM.

The movie, which is due to start shooting later this spring, is described as “a reimagining” of Caroline Vignal’s 2020 French hit My Donkey, My Lover & I (Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes), starring Laura Calamy.

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A French Pursuit marks the third creative collaboration between Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winning actress Toni Collette, Hardwicke and producer Christopher Simon.

In the new version, Collette plays unconventional and lively British art teacher Zoe who falls head over heels for fellow rebel spirit, Jean-Louis.

Their plans for a romantic getaway are dashed when he has to join his family on a donkey trek in the remote and picturesque region of the Cévennes in the south of France, leaving Zoe heartbroken.

Zoe is encouraged by her mother to seize the opportunity for adventure and she embarks on a daring pursuit of Jean-Louis in the Cévennes, in the company of a determined donkey called Napoleon.

Simon will produce via New Sparta Productions alongside Collette with her Vocab Films production shingle. They previously worked together on Miss You Already and most recently on Mafia Mamma.

The film was developed by CCM, the London-based development company jointly run and owned by distributors Curzon, Cineart and Madman. CCM acquired the remake rights from Chapka Films and La Filmerie, the production companies behind the original film My Donkey, My Lover & I.

The English-language screenplay has been adapted and written by BAFTA Nominated screenwriter Olivia Hetreed (Mrs Harris Goes To Paris, The Girl With The Pearl Earring).

Maremako Films acted as the exclusive agent for the French producers in negotiating the remake option with CCM.

“Olivia has brilliantly captured the magic of the French hit film, while bringing in new original layers to the story and character of Zoe, one she was able to collaborate closely with Toni and Catherine to develop. It’s going to be irresistible, heartwarming fun,” said CEO Hanway Films Gabrielle Stewart.

Toni Collette is represented by CAA, Jen Turner at Finley Management and United Management. Olivia Hetreed is represented by Curtis Brown and Gersh.

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