The wait is finally over, as My Salinger Year [+leggi anche:
recensione
trailer
scheda film] is now set to open the 70th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival (running from 20 February-1 March 2020). Written and directed by Philippe Falardeau – whose It’s Not Me, I Swear! won both the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury and the Crystal Bear for Best Film – the Berlinale Special Gala title will see last year’s breakout actress, Margaret Qualley, from Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, join forces with the legendary Sigourney Weaver. Qualley is cast as a promising poet working as an assistant to an established literary agent (Weaver), answering fan mail addressed to their most prized client: famously withdrawn author JD Salinger.

“We are delighted to open the 70th edition of the festival with a coming-of-age story that takes the viewpoint of the protagonist, who has a fresh perspective, which is in no way naïve,” said artistic director Carlo Chatrian of the Canadian-Irish co-production, based on the novel by Joanna Rakoff. “Philippe Falardeau depicts the small NYC literary world of the 1990s with humour and a sweet note, but he never forgets the 21st century we are living in or the unifying role that art plays in all of our lives. We are looking forward to welcoming Margaret Qualley and Sigourney Weaver as well as other members of Philippe Falardeau’s great cast and crew.”

Predictably, the director himself also seemed enthusiastic about the decision. “We couldn’t have hoped for a better world premiere. In the past, the Berlinale has opened with wonderful films from established directors; needless to say, I’m honoured to be on that list. I have fond memories of the festival where one of my features screened in Generation in 2009.”

Produced by Canada’s micro_scope and Ireland’s Parallel Films, with sales handled by UTA (USA) and Memento Films International (France), the film’s official premiere will take place in the Berlinale Palast.