San Sebastian New Directors Buzz "Woman at Sea" Title, Broken Down by Star Director Dinara Drukarova

Playing in San Sebastián's prestigious New Directors section, "Woman at Sea" ("Grand Marin” ), a beautifully shot adaptation of the best-selling book of the same name, marks the directorial debut of Russian actress Dinara Drukarova, who also stars in the film.

Sold by Loco Films, “Woman at Sea” is produced by Marianne Slot and Carine LeBlanc in Paris- slot machine ("Melancholia"). Shot in Iceland, the film captures the struggle for integration and the search for self, all within the stunning yet cold seascapes of the film.

Drukarova's character, Lili, follows in the footsteps of the book's author, Catherine Poulain, who spent 10 years working on fishing boats in Alaska, as documented in the book.

"Woman at Sea" is about a woman working on a boat. I understand that you live on a boat. Is there a link?

I have lived on a boat for over 20 years. My children were born on the boat. The man I love was already living on the boat. I like living on a boat because it's about the idea of ​​nomadism. Cast off the moorings. It's so romantic. Living on a boat is like living in a very large living fish. Water gives you energy and soothes you. When I'm upset, I look at the river and say, "It's going to pass like the river." “You have no neighbours. So I can party until morning. However, the film was inspired by the book "Woman at Sea".

How did the project start?

It all started with the book "Woman at Sea". When I read it, it shocked me. It was something crucial. It changed my life. Sometimes a book or a painting gives you an answer to a question you ask. I read it and said, "I want to do the movie." For me, it was a metaphor, and a universal story of a human being who wants to give up everything and go to the end of the world to find out who she is. . I found the number of the author Catherine Poulain and I met her. It was vital for me. It was something to me like I couldn't live if I didn't.

What inspired you in this true story?

Catherine inspired me. She is wild. The story of his life. She is a contemporary adventurer. She lived 10 years in Alaska. Then the immigration services caught up with her and sent her back to France. When I went to see her in Bordeaux, I spent an evening with her and we drank two bottles of rum. I said whatever happens I just want to thank you for writing this because it gave me what I needed to keep going. Two days later, she gave me the rights.

How was shooting the movie, especially given the pandemic?

It's been a long road. It was very complicated. My producer said it was your first film, and it was an adaptation, and you had to work with someone established. But I was bowled over by the resulting script and said I had to write my own script. Then it was about finding the funding. Presentation of the project to the film commissions. It's as if you were a prisoner and had your last word.