Circumstances

WINNER – GOLDEN LION Best Film – Venice Film Festival 2021

* * * * “ A serious, moving and honorable film ” – The Guardian

Audrey Diwan's second feature film is an adaptation of French author Annie Ernaux's autobiographical novel L'Événement . The film, which in Swedish is titled CIRCUMSTANCES , depicts France in 1963 and the desperate race against time of a young female student as she attempts to have an abortion despite it being illegal. She dreams of continuing her university studies and thus escaping her hopeless existence. CIRCUMSTANCES is a strong and gripping drama, almost a thriller, about a time and an environment that limited and condemned female sexuality. CIRCUMSTANCES is a completely unvarnished, honest and straightforward film that gets into your body and doesn't let go.

CIRCUMSTANCES and Audrey Diwan, was awarded one of the world's most prestigious awards in September 2021: the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. "I made the film with anger and desire, with my gut feeling, with my head and with my heart. I wanted the film to be an experience where we get to share a young woman's journey. I am very moved to be standing here on stage," said Audrey Diwan in her acceptance speech during the awards ceremony. In addition to the Golden Lion, the film was also awarded the international critics' award Fripesci Prize, the UAAR Brian Award and the Arca Cinema Giovani Award for Best Movie. The main role is played with strong presence by 22-year-old French-Romanian actress Anamaria Vartolomei. The film's subject is very relevant as several countries around the world are now tightening the possibilities for women to have legal and safe abortions.

* * * * * “ Anamaria Vartolomei is luminous ” – Swedish
* * * * “ Intensely intimate, an intimately filmed one-woman show ” – Aftonbladet
* * * * “ A warm and empathetic, but also brutally honest film” ” – Moviezine
* * * * " Extremely moving and well-acted " – Cinetest
* * * * “ Highly topical ” – The Culture Blog
* * * * “Striking portrayal” – The Entertainment Guide
* * * * “ Brilliant game ” – GP
* * * * “ Intense creation ” – Cultural news
“ Echo from the past that is at least as relevant today ” – DN
“ Extremely strong ” – Amelia

“ Brilliant filmmaking ” – Deadline
“ Important and timely ” – Screen Daily
“ A piece of lucid French social realism ” – The Hollywood Reporter
“ Vartolomei takes on a demanding leading role ” – Variety
“ It’s hard to imagine a more necessary film at this time ” – Little White Lies