Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the Oscar-nominated director of Amélie, returns to the big screen with a new adaptation of Valérie Perrin’s internationally acclaimed novel, Changer l’eau des fleurs (Changing the Water of the Flowers). The film, starring Leïla Bekhti in the lead role, is set to begin shooting in May 2025. Produced by Italy’s Palomar and France’s 24 25 Films, both part of the Mediawan Group, the project will be co-produced and distributed by StudioCanal, with additional support from Netflix and Canal+.
A Tale of Life, Death, and Unexpected Connections
Violette Toussaint, the central character of the story, is a cemetery caretaker in a small French town. Visitors who come to pay respects to their loved ones often stop by Violette’s cozy lodge, where laughter and tears mingle over cups of coffee. Her seemingly peaceful life revolves around these interactions, which bring a touch of warmth to the somber setting.
One day, Julien Seul, a police detective from Marseille, arrives with a peculiar request. His recently deceased mother wished for her ashes to be scattered on the grave of a man Julien has never heard of. As Julien delves deeper into this mystery, Violette’s quiet existence is upended, and long-hidden secrets begin to emerge. The story unfolds as a journey through impossible love, haunting losses, and the unbreakable ties between the living and the dead.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
Valérie Perrin’s Changer l’eau des fleurs is a touching novel that has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into 28 languages. The book’s unique blend of humor, tragedy, and heartfelt emotion resonates deeply with readers.
Leïla Bekhti, in an interview with Paris Match, described her character Violette as “timeless and resilient, a woman filled with light despite her proximity to death. Her story speaks to everyone with its universality and profound beauty.”
Jean-Pierre Jeunet, known for his visually imaginative storytelling, will approach this adaptation with a subtler tone, drawing inspiration from Mikhail Kalatozov’s The Cranes Are Flying. While preserving the novel’s poetic essence, Jeunet aims to deliver an emotionally grounded narrative.
A Prestigious Collaboration
The film is backed by a stellar production team, with Palomar and 24 25 Films leading the way and StudioCanal ensuring both French distribution and international reach. With support from Netflix and Canal+, this adaptation promises to bring Valérie Perrin’s enchanting story to a global audience.
With its exploration of life, loss, and hope, Changer l’eau des fleurs is poised to captivate cinema lovers worldwide, solidifying Jeunet’s reputation as a master storyteller.
