This Wednesday, the film “Le Panache” is released in cinemas with José Garcia, a talented teenage cast and beautiful images of Puy-de-Dôme as a bonus.
This Wednesday, November 20, a new film shot in Puy-de-Dôme will invade cinema screens. The film “Le Panache” directed by Denniger Devoldère was mostly filmed in our region. From Riom to Clermont-Ferrand via Issoire and the Sancy massif, the film paints a warm portrait of Auvergne.
It was during the Jean Carmet festival in Moulins (Allier) and a preview at the Pathé Aubière that we were able to meet part of the film team. Meeting with Jennifer Devolderedirector, Joachim Arseguelinterpreter of the character of Colin and Tom Meusnierinterpreter of the character of Max and winner of an audience award for best supporting actor at the Jean Carmet festival in Moulins.
Xavier GRUMEAU – RVA: What are the important messages to take away from the film for you?
Jennifer Devoldère, director: I believe that the film speaks of the right to be different, of acceptance and transmission. All my films are about finding your place. There is always a character who basically has no place and takes the journey to have one.
“Colin is going to be part of a group and experience exceptional things.”
Jennifer Devoldère, director of the film “The Panache“and of”Wise Man“
RVA : Was it difficult to find a young, stuttering lead actor?
JD: Joachim is really a stutterer and we chose to take an actor who had this handicap. We did a casting call, we met Joachim and he was a real crush. He wasn't sure, he was very scared, but we were sure.
RVA : Joachim, how did you work on your acting and your stuttering in the film?
Joachim Arseguel, actor: I mainly tried to reach a level of stuttering that I find acceptable. But whether I stutter or not, it doesn't matter. Above all, I wanted it to be pleasant and I really think the result is perfect.
“For the scene where I play Cyrano, I did a very hard job. As I carried the voice, with pleasure, I was extravagant. I had a lot of panache.”
Joachim Arseguel, actor, stutters in everyday life
RVA : Are these roles that correspond to you in a certain way in your teenage life?
JA: I was bullied when I was little. This role really touched me. That this is my first role means a lot to me. He looks like me when I was younger. Today I have changed and I am no longer like that.
Tom Meusnier, actor: When we get to know Maxence's character, he's actually nice, he laughs a lot. It is not because he thinks otherwise that we should judge him. I cried a lot for this character. But Jennifer reassured me a lot and helped me take on this character.
“Today, I am proud and I hope that this will allow children to free themselves.”
Tom Meusnier, actor, could not believe having touched the audience of Moulins
X.GRUMEAU – RVA: How did the filming take place in Puy-de-Dôme?
JA: It went very well, it’s a very beautiful region, very pleasant. There was an excellent atmosphere in the team. I didn't know Auvergne, but I immediately liked it. It wasn't easy to shoot [ndlr : dans le Sancy] more the landscapes were magnificent. And then the truffade, of course! We eat extremely well here.
T.M. : I loved it even if my character didn't want to stay in Auvergne. It's really beautiful actually. As soon as we pulled the plug, we laughed together and stayed in touch with the team.
JD: I like to anchor myself in a place and make it realistic. I love this region, this relationship between the city and the outside world. Clermont-Ferrand is a city where you can feel the volcanoes. It gives a lot of strength. For the filming in Sancy, I walked, but some had a vehicle to get up (laugh).
“Clermont-Ferrand is a great and very dynamic city”
RVA : Joachim, Tom, are you hoping to have a career in cinema?
JA: Of course ! It would be a dream and it's only the beginning.
T.M. : I want to continue too. I'm waiting until I'm 16 so I can shoot more than 6 hours a day. And I can't wait to get started.
