CANNES – A film developed from an apparently fragile idea, almost as a creative exercise, a game that was supported from the start by a very rigorous narrative structure. This is how Enrica Capra, the Italian producer (for Graffiti Film), describes L'Age d'Or by Bérenger Thouin - the French-Italian co-production that opened Cannes Classics. The project, also supported by the Piemonte Film TV Fund, was enthusiastically received at the Festival. Capra found one of the most surprising elements to be the immediate reaction from the audience and the international press at Cannes: "The press is starting to react wonderfully. And we're getting real feedback not only from the industry, but from the general public." The film will be distributed by major international distributors: Lucky Red in Italy, Pyramid in France, and Film Boutique for international sales. "I think the film will circulate widely and generate attention and word of mouth," she added.
Recalling the genesis of the film and the production process, Capra noted that it was "extraordinary because it all began as a mix, almost a game, of archival footage and live action. But the story was very strong, and the script already existed. It wasn't simply a cinephile approach of editing together different materials or doing something experimental." She explained that, despite the solidity of the project, there was still a strong element of uncertainty about the final result throughout the process. "No one was really sure of the final result. Then yesterday everyone saw the film, and I really think it's a major milestone. We're obviously very happy."
In her speech, Capra emphasized the crucial role of Piedmont’s support during the project's development and production: "L'Age d'Or was supported by the Film Commission and the Piedmont regional fund. So many people from Piedmont worked on the film. So, a round of applause goes to the Region and the Film Commission for this project." She recalled the experience of filming of the region and the relationships established with the territory: filming took place in Turin and several neighbouring municipalities—Agliè, Collegno, Savigliano—involved thanks to the FCTP regional network. Locations in Turin included the Teatro and Palazzo Carignano, Museo del Risorgimento, Dora Docks, the Istituto San Giuseppe, the Circolo Canottieri Armida, along with the church of Borgo Cornalese, the Villaggio Leumann, the Certosa di Collegno, the Provana Castle in Collegno, the Ducal Castle in Agliè, the Castle of Virle, and the Railway Museum in Savigliano. "It was great. Everyone was very grateful for the way the crew was welcomed, and it was a truly wonderful experience for everyone."