Acclaimed French writer and director Nicolas Pariser is heading to the Lido with his latest feature “Un Peu Avant Minuit“. The 111-minute French drama has been officially selected to compete in the main competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival where it will contend for the prestigious Golden Lion.
“Un Peu Avant Minuit“
Written by Pariser alongside Sarah Farkas, “Un Peu Avant Minuit” offers a nuanced exploration of midlife reflection, intimacy, and moral accountability. The narrative centers on Léo (played by Melvil Poupaud), a 49-year-old man who is in the process of separating from his partner in Eastern France. His quiet life is upended when he receives news of the death of his biological father—a man he never knew.
Before traveling to Italy to handle his father’s estate, Léo spends a few transitional days in Paris, the city of his youth. During his stay, engaging in political debates with his activist daughter and reconnecting with former lovers forces him to confront ghosts from his past. As he navigates these encounters, Léo begins to question his personal legacy and re-evaluates his historical relationships with the women in his life, asking himself whether he was truly loving, honest, and respectful.
The film features a formidable ensemble cast. Joining Poupaud in the lead role are prominent international talents including Chiara Mastroianni, Golshifteh Farahani, Léonie Simaga, Clara Pacini, Anaïs Demoustier, and Micha Lescot. Produced by Emmanuel Agneray for Bizibi, with co-production by Dimanche Soir and international sales handled by Pyramide International, the drama blends psychological depth with Pariser’s signature focus on political and social dynamics.
For Pariser, known for critically acclaimed works such as “Alice and the Mayor” (which won the Europa Cinemas Label at Cannes in 2019) and “The Green Perfume”, “Un peu avant minuit” represents a major leap onto the main competitive stage of a top-tier international festival.
At Venice, “Un Peu Avant Minuit” joins an extraordinary lineup of global cinema. Pariser will compete for the festival’s top prize alongside acclaimed international contemporaries, with a slate that includes Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard”, Florian Zeller’s “Bunker”, Casey Affleck’s “Company”, Ali Asgari’s “Kami nour”, Andrea Pallaoro’s “The Echo Chamber”, and Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine”.
From Paris to Venice
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival will run from September 2-12, 2026 in Venice, Italy. Born in Paris, France, Pariser will turn 52 on September 29, 2026.
Whether linked through historical trade routes, literary romanticism, or shared stewardship of European heritage, Paris and Venice remain forever intertwined as sister icons of culture and art. They are widely celebrated as two of Europe’s most romantic destinations, yet their connection extends far beyond aesthetic charm.
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment, Venice operated as a premier trade partner and diplomatic alleyway for the French kingdom. Venetian artistic techniques heavily influenced French culture, with grand Italian oil painting and glassmaking methods migrating directly to Parisian workshops. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the trend reversed: French writers, including George Sand, Honoré de Balzac, and Marcel Proust, drew deep creative inspiration from Venice, capturing its unique light and romantic decadence in classic French literature.
In modern times, this cultural exchange thrives through high fashion and international arts. Major French luxury houses frequently sponsor restoration projects across Venice’s historic churches and palazzos. Meanwhile, the Venice Biennale acts as a premier stage for contemporary Parisian artists.
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