Festival du Cinéma muet d'Anères: The Water Girl

Experience the enchanting world of Jean Renoir’s *The Water Girl* in this beautifully restored silent film, presented live with a captivating musical accompaniment. This 1924 French masterpiece tells the poignant story of young Gudule, an orphaned girl terrorized by a drunken sailor. Seeking solace, she finds refuge with a group of gypsies, but her newfound happiness is threatened when their community faces the fury of a vengeful peasant. Fortunately, Gudule’s beauty captures the attention of a young man determined to protect her. Featuring a mesmerizing live score performed by Ignacio Plaza Ponce on piano, clarinets, and percussion, alongside Fanny Ménégoz on flutes, this concert film offers a truly immersive experience. Renoir’s film is a study in contrasts – the tranquil beauty of rivers and canals juxtaposed with unsettling visions of nocturnal horror, the quiet existence of a small town set against a backdrop of drunken vengeance, and a child’s innocent sleep transformed into a whirlwind nightmare. As Cinemagazine declared in 1924, *The Water Girl* showcases a director of “great promise” and introduces audiences to the unforgettable Catherine Hessling, radiant with “unhappy grace.” Don’t miss this chance to witness a timeless classic brought to life!