Abdellatif Kechiche‘s Eighth film to Premiere at Locarno Festival Amid Health Concerns

In a surprising turn of events, Abdellatif Kechiche’s eighth film, seven years in the making, is set to be presented in competition at the Locarno Film Festival in early August.This announcement comes after a protracted post-production period, fueling anticipation for the director’s latest work. Though, the director’s health has become a meaningful concern, as he suffered a stroke in mid-March.

Sources close to Kechiche indicate that while the stroke has impacted his ability to write,his cognitive reasoning remains sharp,with one acquaintance noting he has become “wiser.” Despite these challenges, the film’s eventual completion and presentation at Locarno are seen as a significant achievement, especially given the long and arduous journey of its production.

The prospect of Kechiche’s eighth film, perhaps his last, has been a subject of quiet hope and speculation for years. The director, known for his meticulous and frequently enough lengthy creative process, has kept his projects under wraps,