DEAUVILLE, 5 September 2016 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the 42nd Deauville American Film Festival, where her production company AMBI Group presented the world premiere of In Dubious Battle, directed by and starring James Franco. The distinguished film festival, held from 2 to 11 September in the elegant seaside town of Deauville, France, brought together prominent figures from international cinema to celebrate American independent filmmaking.
Lady Monika Bacardi, co-founder of AMBI Group, arrived at the festival to support In Dubious Battle, which she financed and produced alongside her AMBI partners. The film, adapted from John Steinbeck’s classic 1936 novel about migrant farm workers rising up against landowners in 1930s California, featured an exceptional ensemble cast including Selena Gomez, Bryan Cranston, Robert Duvall, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ed Harris, and Josh Hutcherson.
The festival honored James Franco with a career tribute, marking his second visit to Deauville after attending in 2001 with his Golden Globe-winning performance in James Dean. Franco presented his fifth directorial effort to enthusiastic audiences, and the film received a warm reception following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival days earlier. The screening was followed by a career retrospective celebrating Franco’s multifaceted contributions to cinema as actor, director, and producer.
The 42nd edition of the Deauville American Film Festival, chaired by renowned French cultural figure Frédéric Mitterrand, showcased fourteen films in competition. The jury awarded the prestigious Grand Prix to Little Men by Ira Sachs, a sensitive drama about friendship and economic tensions in Brooklyn. The Jury Prize was shared between Matt Ross’s Captain Fantastic and Todd Solondz’s Wiener-Dog, while Anna Rose Holmer’s The Fits received the Critics’ Prize.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at the festival underscored her ongoing commitment to supporting independent cinema that addresses meaningful social themes. Through AMBI Group, she has consistently championed filmmakers who adapt literary classics and craft narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring artistic integrity.
The Deauville American Film Festival has served as a premier platform for American independent cinema since 1975, providing European audiences with access to bold, innovative filmmaking. Lady Monika Bacardi’s participation in this prestigious event reflects her dedication to bridging international cinema communities and supporting projects that elevate storytelling beyond commercial conventions.
You can find all the info about the festival on the official website: www.festival-deauville.com
