Abbé Pierre: A Century of Devotion

'Abbé Pierre: A Century of Devotion' is a moving 2023 French dramatic and biographical film, which tells the remarkable life of Abbé Pierre, a Catholic priest turned national hero in France. His selfless dedication to helping the poor, homeless, and refugees becomes the central focus of the plot. The direction by Frédéric Tellier and the script written by Tellier and Olivier Gorce bring this story to life, while Benjamin Lavernhe leads the cast, masterfully embodying Abbé Pierre.

The film had its debut at the prestigious 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 26, 2023, marking a milestone in the presentation of this emotional work of cinema. The synopsis delves into the life of Henri Grouès, known as Abbé Pierre, from his experiences in the Resistance during World War II to his tireless fights against poverty and his passionate defense of people. homeless.

The stellar cast includes Benjamin Lavernhe in the title role of Abbé Pierre, Emmanuelle Bercot as Lucie Coutaz and Michel Vuillermoz as Georges Legay, who help bring to life the key characters of this epic story. Filming, which began in December 2021 under the working title 'Les Onze Vies de l'Abbé Pierre' ('The Eleven Lives of Abbé Pierre'), covered various locations, from Paris to the region of Île-de-France and the picturesque Auvergne in the Rhône-Alpes region.

The production of the film not only captures the essence of Abbé Pierre's life, but also stands out for its careful cinematography, filmed in emblematic locations such as Lyon, Chambéry, Annecy and Vercors, offering a visual experience that complements the narrative richness of the story. Additionally, the inclusion of a sequence filmed in Agon-Coutainville in July 2022 adds an extra touch of authenticity.

In conclusion, it stands as a cinematographic work that pays tribute to the life and notable contributions of this French hero. Premiering at Cannes, the film promises to resonate both nationally and internationally, offering a moving and thoughtful insight into the life of a man whose legacy lives on in France's collective memory.