EXCLUSIVE: Michel Gondry Is Filming Les Petites Peurs - Production / Funding - France

Key Takeaways

• Michel Gondry begins filming 15th feature, Les petites peurs
• Cast includes César winners Tahar Rahim and Vimala Pons
• HBO, Ciné+ OCS, and France Télévisions pre‑purchased rights
• Six‑week shoot supported by Occitanie region in Cévennes
• Kinology handles international sales; Diaphana to distribute in France

Pulse Analysis

Michel Gondry, the visionary behind cult classics such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep, has entered production on his 15th feature, Les petites peurs. The film marks a return to narrative cinema after a series of experimental and animated projects, and it re‑engages the whimsical visual language that defines Gondry’s brand. Set in a remote Cévennes village, the story intertwines a missing‑au‑pair mystery with a child‑driven investigation, promising the director’s trademark blend of surrealism and emotional depth.

The production is anchored by a high‑profile French cast: César‑winning actor Tahar Rahim leads as deputy Damien, while Bastien Bouillon, Valérie Donzelli, Vimala Pons and Vincent Elbaz round out the ensemble. Partizan Films, under longtime collaborator Georges Bermann, secured pre‑sales from HBO, Ciné+ OCS and France Télévisions, ensuring a solid financing structure. The six‑week shoot, supported by the Occitanie regional fund, will take place across the Cévennes and Montpellier, with cinematographer Laurent Tangy bringing a fresh visual palette to the rural setting.

From a market perspective, the HBO pre‑purchase signals confidence in the film’s international appeal, positioning Les petites peurs for a dual theatrical‑streaming rollout. Kinology’s involvement in worldwide sales and Diaphana’s French theatrical distribution aim to maximize exposure across Europe and North America. For investors and distributors, the project offers a blend of auteur credibility, award‑winning talent, and proven pre‑sale partners, reducing financial risk while tapping into the growing demand for prestige European cinema on streaming platforms.