Niki de Saint Phalle Biopic by Céline Sallette Hits French Theaters

The film 'Niki', directed by Céline Sallette in her directorial debut, premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and will be released in French cinemas on October 9 via Wild Bunch Distribution. The biopic stars Charlotte Le Bon as Niki de Saint Phalle, chosen for her striking resemblance to the artist. The screenplay, also by Sallette, focuses on the artist's psychological trauma from childhood abuse by her father and her rebirth through art. The official synopsis describes Niki moving to France in 1952 with her husband and daughter, escaping a stifling America and family, yet haunted by memories. The film uses temporal flashbacks to depict her nightmare and its adult consequences. Despite success as a model, writer, and actress, she is reborn only through artistic expression. The cast includes Damien Bonnard, John Robinson, and Judith Chemla. Sallette stated she spent months reading accounts of incest by Camille Kouchner, Charlotte Pudlowski, Christine Angot, Neige Sinno, and others, hoping the film shows the journey from silence to revolt. The article also promotes Artribune's newsletters and social media channels.