A new project focusing on one of America’s most iconic landmarks is progressing in development. The filmmakers aim to delve into the origins of the Statue of Liberty and explore the key figures who brought it to life, highlighting the political, artistic, and engineering forces that influenced its creation. According to Variety, a historical feature about the statue’s inception is currently in production.
Christian Duguay is attached to direct the film titled Lady Liberty, which is being produced by Quad Cinéma and Gemma Pictures. The film will chronicle the story behind the monument’s creation.
In a joint statement, the producers revealed that the movie will explore the backstory of the Statue of Liberty’s birth, focusing on the artistic daring of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the political vision of Édouard de Laboulaye, and the engineering brilliance of Gustave Eiffel. Set in the 19th century, the narrative will follow the conception and construction of the statue.
The story centers on Bartholdi, portrayed as a visionary artist, and Laboulaye, depicted as a forward-thinking lawyer. Together, they set out to give the American people a monumental statue symbolizing their fight for liberty and democracy. The release notes that what begins as a gesture of Franco-American friendship gradually becomes an intimate story of an unlikely alliance between two men united by shared ideals but tested by doubt. The film will also highlight the opposition, financial hurdles, and technical difficulties faced during the statue’s construction, portraying the effort as a relentless battle under mounting pressure.
Duguay’s previous works include Jappeloup, A Bag of Marbles (adapted from Joseph Joffo’s novel), and Tempête. Quad Cinéma produced The Intouchables, which grossed $426 million worldwide. Stéphane Celerier founded Gemma Pictures after his previous company, Mars Films, co-produced La Famille Bélier—later remade as the Oscar-winning CODA—as well as Two Is a Family, starring Omar Sy.
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