Michael Barker, co-president and co-founder of "Sony Pictures Classic" thanked Tom Bernard for 18 years of existence. Michael stated, "I don't think we've had such a well dressed crowd. I would like to mention a few people behind the scene, an individual who is important to French film. Producer, Philippe Carcassonne. We worked together 20 years ago and it is great to be back together with him, Anne Fontaine, and Audrey Tautou. There is a strong support system within French Film where with every film, the director gets better and better. Anne Fontaine is one of those directors."


The writer/director of "Coco avant Chanel", and "La fille de Monaco", Anne Fontaine, shared with the crowd how she was low on the ranks when she first began writing and directing and now (she joked), is only in the middle rung of the ladder. She thanked actor Alessandro Nivola, as she stated, "he is an incredible actor, and admired how he was able to walk like a cowboy. I was very lucky, at first I was looking for an English actor, but realized he spoke with a charming accent."


Actor Alessandro Nivola shared with the audience how, "it is a living hell giving a performance in a foreign language. Anne sent me to learn how to play polo. I didn't know how to do any of the stuff that character needed to do. My balls swelled up, but there's nothing that a good Freddie Mercury mustache can't do. Anyway, we got there."


Actress Audrey Tautou stated, "we are very moved to be here. We did a long tour and this is our last premiere tonight."


"Coco avant Chanel" could not have premiered at a better time or in a better theater than "The Paris" theater in New York City during the "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Spring 2010, Sept 10-17."


Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, was ahead of her time, as a French female born poor, and unlucky in love, who built up enough courage to move to the big city of Paris to begin a career in fashion.


"Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."


Adriana Lima, Helena Christensen, Audrey Tautou and classy others in attendance.
Sharon Abella
http://www.fest21.com/en/blog/sharonabella