Nomi Merlant and Will Sharp’s exciting journey

Audrey Diwan’s “Emmanuelle” has released the first trailer and poster ahead of its world premiere in September at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Filmed in Hong Kong, the film is loosely adapted from Emmanuelle Arsan’s novel of the same name. It is a feminine look at the intimate quest of a woman whose name still conjures up one of cinema’s most provocative characters.

With Portrait of a Lady on Fire star Noémie Merlant in the lead role, Emmanuelle sets out in search of a lost pleasure. She travels alone to Hong Kong on a business trip. In this sensual cosmopolitan city, she begins many encounters and meets Ki (Will Sharp), the man who keeps running away from her.

Alongside Merlant, the film also stars Naomi Watts, Jamie Campbell Bower, Chacha Huang, and Anthony Wong.

Diwan, who won the Golden Lion at Venice for her 2021 film “Happening,” co-wrote “Emmanuelle” with fellow director Rebecca Zlotowski, whose 2013 film “Grand Central” screened in competition at Cannes and won the François Chalais Prize.

Emmanuelle was previously adapted into a 1974 film of the same name, directed by Just Jacquin and starring Sylvia Kristel. It was a huge success and inspired numerous spinoffs and imitations. According to Dewan, her retelling of the story was conceived as an exploration of pleasure in the post-#MeToo era.

The Diwan project was first unveiled at the 2022 Canned Film Festival with Léa Seydoux in the lead role.

Chantelove (Marion Delord and Reginald de Guilbon) has acquired the film rights to Arsan’s book. Chantelove, Rectangle Productions, and Goodfellas are producing the film. The Veterans is responsible for worldwide sales.

“Emmanuelle” will be distributed by Pathé in France, where it will premiere on September 25, just five days after its opening night in San Sebastian.

Watch the trailer for “Emmanuelle” above.