An epic historical drama following Jeanne Lavaur, a butcher's daughter, whose lifelong dream of becoming a countess is set against the backdrop of the most defining events of the 20th century. From the roaring twenties to the devastating experience of two world wars to the profound social transformations that followed, the film tells the story of a woman determined to overcome the boundaries of her social background and the circumstances that life has imposed on her. Through her extraordinary journey, director Bérenger Thouin explores ambition, identity, resilience and the eternal human desire to shape one's own destiny. By combining live fiction with meticulously restored archival footage, The Golden Age blurs the boundaries between film and history, creating a unique visual experience in which personal lives intertwine with great historical events. The film premiered in the prestigious Cannes Classics section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it was one of two contemporary films selected for the program. It offers a bold new take on the historical epic and a compelling reflection of Europe's turbulent past and the people who lived through it.
This epic historical drama follows Jeanne Lavaur, a butcher's daughter, whose dream of becoming a countess is set against the backdrop of key events of the 20th century. Director Bérenger Thouin weaves fiction with restored archival footage to create a unique portrait of one woman's ambition, resilience and determination to take her destiny into her own hands in the midst of a rapidly changing world.
Czech subtitles
The Golden Age
Drama
France / Italy 2026 113 min
Discover award-winning films from festivals in Berlin, Venice and Cannes that are moving art film. Learn about the wider context, discuss with the creators or just let yourself be carried away by the powerful stories.
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