France tv distribution is proud to announce its acquisition of FURCY (original title: L'affaire de l'esclave Furcy), a film by Abd Al Malik (May Allah Bless France!), starring Makita Samba, Romain Duris, Ana Girardot and Vincent Macaigne.

Distributed worldwide by France tv distribution, FURCY will be launched at the EFM (European Film Market), which will take place from February 15 to 21, 2024.

FURCY is produced by Jerico Films and Arches Films and will be distributed in France by Memento Distribution.

Synopsis

In 1817, on Bourbon Island (Reunion Island), a compelling narrative unfolds.

Following the passing of his mother, the enslaved Furcy stumbles upon a letter of emancipation amidst her belongings – an unexpected key to his indirect liberation. Aided by the support of abolitionist prosecutor Gilbert Boucher, Furcy courageously embarks on a legal crusade against his master, Joseph Lory, in a bid to substantiate his claim to freedom.

This legal saga, marked by numerous twists and turns, spans almost three decades.

Furcy endures imprisonment and exile in Mauritius for a significant portion of this period. It is only in 1846 that he finally presents his case before the Royal Court of Paris.

Furcy’s triumph in the courtroom distinguishes him as one of the rare slaves in French history to achieve legal emancipation several years prior to the definitive abolition of slavery.

Alexandre René (VP International Cinema Sales at France tv distribution) and Julia Schulte (SVP International Sales at France tv distribution):

"We are thrilled to embark on this cinematic journey, illuminating a riveting chapter of untold French History. As we bring Furcy's extraordinary quest for freedom, our film not only captivates French audiences but also extends a global invitation, breaking new ground as the first French production to share this compelling narrative with the world."

Abd Al Malik, director:

"Entire generations, including my own, have been built in France in the shadow of memory. Furcy's struggle speaks to my heart and my reason, because it resonates perfectly with the need for justice that drives me as an artist and a citizen. Painting the portrait of new heroic figures like Furcy, far from any communitarianism, is to contribute to the collective identity of being French in harmony with the rest of the world. To poetically recreate our past is to make a peaceful future possible."

Etienne Comar, Eric Jehelmann and Philippe Rousselet, producers:

"We had read Mohammed Aissaoui's fascinating book a few years ago, and thought that this court case would make a poignant film on the issue of slavery in the former French colonies. Especially since no film inspired by a true story has ever been made in France about this dramatic chapter in our collective history. The growing desire to question our national narrative; the serious recent cases of racist violence in France and abroad; the legitimate demands for justice that follow, lead us to believe that it is time for French cinema to work on this theme."

FURCY

Directed by Abd Al Malik

Written by Etienne Comar, based on the book by Mohammed Aissaoui (Gallimard editions)

Cast: Makita Samba, Romain Duris, Ana Girardot, Vincent Macaigne, Liya Kebede, Frederic Pierrot, André Marcon, Micha Lescot, Moussa Mansaly and Philippe Torreton

Production: Jerico Films and Arches Films

Producers: Etienne Comar, Eric Jehelmann and Philippe Rousselet

French Distribution: Memento Distribution

Photo Credits: ©Julien Panié

Discover our line-up !

About France tv distribution

France tv distribution works with producers and licensors to maximise revenues from their programmes accross all media platforms encompassing video, VOD and music publishing, merchandising, magazine and book publishing, plus French and international distribution and fund-raising.

Since January 2017, France tv distribution has gone hand in hand with distribution films abroad. As a major player on the distribution of rights in France and in foreign markets, this new activity of trading feature films is added to its savoir-faire.