Renowned French director Stéphane Brizé is returning to the Lido, with his latest feature drama, “Un Bon Petit Soldat” (English title: “A Good Little Soldier”), officially selected to compete in the main competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The 102-minute film will make its world premiere during the festival, where it will contend for the prestigious Golden Lion.

“Un Bon Petit Soldat“

Written by Brizé alongside frequent collaborators Coralie Amédéo and Olivier Gorce, “Un Bon Petit Soldat” revisits the filmmaker’s signature thematic exploration of corporate ethics, labor dynamics, and institutional pressure. The plot centers on Carla Moretti, a high-performing and deeply devoted human resources executive newly hired by a major insurance company. Charged with reconciling employee well-being with stringent corporate performance targets, Carla navigates a fine line between professional obligation and moral duty. However, when she uncovers a severe case of toxic management within a department under her oversight, the delicate balance shatters, forcing her to confront the painful limits of compromise.

The drama stars Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher as Carla, alongside Brizé’s frequent muse, Oscar-nominated French actor Vincent Lindon. Their collaboration marks a major screen pairing, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Sharif Andoura and David Talbot. Cinematographer Antoine Héberlé—who previously collaborated with Brizé on “Mademoiselle Chambon” and “Une vie”—shot the picture, with production handled by Gaumont.

For Brizé, the film represents his fourth time competing on the Lido, following earlier Venice entries such as “Une vie” (2016), “Un autre monde” (2021), and “Hors-saison” (2023). Known for sharp social realism in films like “La Loi du marché” (The Measure of a Man), Brizé continues to probe the psychological toll extracted by modern work environments.

At the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, “Un Bon Petit Soldat” joins a stacked international competition lineup. Brizé will compete for top honors alongside notable auteur entries, including Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard”, Florian Zeller’s “Bunker”, Casey Affleck’s “Company”, Ali Asgari’s “Kami nour”, and Andrea Pallaoro’s “The Echo Chamber”.

From Rennes to Venice

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival will run from September 2-12, 2026 in Venice, Italy. Born in Rennes, Brittany, France, Brizé will turn 60 on October 16, 2026.

Separated by the Alps, Rennes and Venice might seem worlds apart. However, both historic cities share dynamic links rooted in European heritage, artistic exchange, and urban design defined by water.

Rennes sits at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers, utilizing its historic waterways for inland trade and modern urban green spaces. Venice, built across a coastal lagoon, engineered a global maritime empire directly upon the water. This shared reliance on rivers and canals has shaped how both cities managed trade, architecture, and transportation throughout European history.

Culturally, the connection deepens through higher education and creative arts. As a major university hub, Rennes engages in continuous academic exchanges with Venetian institutions, particularly in art history, preservation, and European studies. Additionally, contemporary artists from Brittany regularly participate in international cultural events hosted in Venice, such as the Venice Biennale.