Ça Brûle (On Fire)

Summer in Provence. Seventeen-year-old Livia rides proudly through the village. After falling from her horse, she is found and cared for by firefighter Jean, igniting her obsessive love for him. The fact that he has just had a baby with his wife does not stop her from seeking his presence—sometimes through drastic means. Livia’s mother and her partner are oblivious to the girl's emotions, while her absent father only makes a brief appearance to take away her beloved horse. Livia can confide only in her close-knit group of friends. One afternoon, along with her friend Amanda and Moisi, who is in love with her, a playful exchange spirals into a dangerous game with fire.

With her fluid camerawork, Claire Simon creates an intense closeness to her protagonists, portraying the desire and fury of a young woman as a dark and powerful melodrama. (Andrea Pollach)

A heartfelt thank you to Claire Simon, who has generously provided us with a 35mm copy of her masterpiece Ça brûle from her personal collection for this special screening.

Photo: Austrian Film Museum