Water Lilies
2007
Original Title: Naissance des pieuvres
Debut Screening: May 17/2007 @ Cannes Film Festival (France)
Genre: Drama
Length: 1 hr. 25 min.
Country: France
Language: French
Starring: Pauline Acquart (Marie), Louise Blachère (Anne), & Adèle Haenel (Floriane)
Directed by: Céline Sciamma
Written by: Céline Sciamma
Synopsis: This film is centered around a girls synchronized swimming team. It deals primarily with 3 young female teens; Marie, Anne, & Floriane, all of whom are confronting issues related to puberty, the onset of sexual attraction, & the pressure of losing their virginity. Anne becomes hopelessly infatuated with Floraine, the synchronized swimming team captain. Floriane is good looking, aloof, & according to rumor, sexually experienced. Despite her interest in boys, François does nothing to discourage Marie’s attention & the 2 start spending more & more time together.
FYI: Céline Sciamma is an out lesbian filmmaker. She & actress Adèle Haenel (Floriane) dated for several years. The couple met while shooting Water Lilies.
It’s a Small Sapphic World: Sciamma & actress Haenel also made the Sapphic film Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) together.
Sites: wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Lilies_(film)
Keywords: school, friendship, teens, coming of age, sport
Trailer: