France Amerique Review 2/2

Alexandre wrote the script of his movie at only 19. But his close relatives are ready to help him. The story is actually like the story of his family. "I remember Stephane. my little brother very alone", remembers Alexandre.

Stephane, the little brother with Down syndrome, trained for a long time before the shoot. "At the beginning, I simply wanted to know if he could follow the directives. Little by little,, I pushed him to see if he could do more, and that was usually the case... ", explains Alexandre, in admiration. The result is striking with accuracy and reserve: Stephane can move us, but he can also be very funny.

The work in this film is colossal. The family has to scrape the drawers to finance it (with the help of several grants). More than 300 young actresses auditioned for the role of Joan. The shoot, which took 10 working days, 20 hours daily, took place in the family house in Washington, for economical reasons. Certain scenes were shot at the french international high school in Bethesda, at Tilden Middle school and even at the French Embass, in the main theater.

Duo received the Martin Scorcese Award and Warner Brothers Award... Not frequent for a young French director in the United States. Success however did not go to Alexandre Ginnsz's head. He is one of those whose reserve and modesty make sympathetic and moving.

Gently, without haste, he is tracing his road. The script of his next film is already written: a feature-length version of Duo. In one month, encouraged by true successes, he will be flying towards Los Angeles to edit another film. His script under the arm of course. This is how all the greatest ones started... "

- Aryelle Monange

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