Work In Progress-And Problems Begin - A French Film By Brigitte Rouan

The Alliance Francaise of Hyderabad, in association with the Hyderabad Film Club and the French Embassy in India, is screening a French film, Work In Progress - And Problems Begin... (Travaux, On Sait Quand Ca Commence...), at the Sarathi Studios in Ameerpet, on 23rd October. The film is directed by Brigitte Rouan, and has Carole Bouquet, Jean-Pierre Castaldi, Aldo Maccione and Didier Flamand playing the lead characters.

"Remodeling: you know when it starts but don't know when it will end." So goes a wise French adage that will ring true to anyone who has ever had anything rebuilt, repainted or restored by outside contractors. Brigitte Roüan's delightful comedy begins as single mom and top litigator Chantal (Carole Bouquet) realizes that it's time get her living space in order.

She hires a Colombian architect who brings along some very original plans and an entire work crew of Colombians. In no time, chaos reigns, with Chantal's life, along with those of her teenage children, current lover and ex-husband, completely upended.

The plot goes off in several directions simultaneously, covering everything from the French legal system to maintaining relationships with ex-spouses, as Chantal wonders if more than her home is getting remodeled. Spicing the proceedings with some hilarious musical numbers, the film offers a fresh, perceptive and hugely entertaining look at the travails of modern urban life and lifestyles.

The film was selected for the 2005 Cannes Film Festival. The entry is free. Please contact the Alliance Francaise at 2770-0734/2770-0736 or Bh S S Prakash Reddy of the Hyderabad Film Club at 2373-0841/93910-20243 for further details.