We were delighted to chat with first time feature filmmakers Marguerite de Hillerin and Félix Dutilloy-Liégeois about A Criança (The Child), in competition at the IFF Rotterdam 2022.
The 51st edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam has just opened, and is running until February 6th. The festival’s flagship Tiger Competition showcases new works mostly by first – or second-time filmmakers. One of the more elusive titles of this year’s competition is the debut feature by the directing/writing team of Marguerite de Hillerin and Félix Dutilloy-Liégeois with A Criança (L’enfant/The Child), starring Grégory Gadebois, Loïc Corbery, João Arrais, and Maria João Pinho.
A free adaptation of “Der Findling”, a story by Heinrich von Kleist, A Criança tells the the story of Bela (João Arrais), a young man that was adopted by a wealthy couple of French-Portuguese merchants. The story takes place near Lisbon where Bela crosses paths with Rosa (Inês Pires Tavares), the love of his life; it is also where he meets Jacques (Loïc Corbery), a friend of his adopted parents, with whom he lives an eventful friendship. Meanwhile Bela tries to find his place, but a succession of uncontrollable events (caused by misunderstandings, ambiguities, jealousy…) lead to disaster.
A Criança is a story of identity, yearning, and secrets where the protagonist, Bela, battles with himself and others in a place where he no longer sees himself fit. I had the great opportunity and pleasure to sit down with the directors/writers of the film, Marguerite and Félix to discuss their new film, background, source material, and writing/directing process.
