Celebrations persist!
In the heart of Marseille, renowned French filmmaker Robert Guédiguian has once again taken the helm, directing and writing the politically charged film, 'The Party Goes On.' Released in 2025, this work is a testament to Guédiguian's unwavering commitment to portraying the complex social realities of his native city.
Guédiguian's films are renowned for their recurring ensemble of local actors, who help create a cohesive universe. In 'The Party Goes On,' Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, and Gérard Meylan take on lead roles. Ascaride, Guédiguian's wife since 1975, and Darroussin, a former classmate of Ascaride at drama school, join Meylan, who has played central figures in almost all of Guédiguian's films. Robinson Stevenin and Lola Naymark, actors who have been part of Guédiguian's troupe for over a decade, also make appearances.
The narrative structure of 'The Party Goes On' is intricate, with interwoven stories that portray the lives and struggles of its characters in a mosaic-like fashion. Guédiguian's films often tackle political themes, and 'The Party Goes On' is no exception. The film addresses resistance to real estate speculation and Rosa's involvement in the Greens, with the character aiming to teach them capitalism critique while seeking an electoral alliance with other left-of-center parties.
One of the film's central characters, Rosa, is the widowed sister of Antonio, an eccentric taxi driver. Henri, a former bookseller, begins a romance with Rosa. Alice, who heads a cultural center, encourages residents of a Marseille working-class neighborhood to resist real estate speculation. Sarkis, who runs an Armenian restaurant, proposes to Alice, allowing Guédiguian to address the genocide experience of his family's homeland once again.
The film begins with a fatal building collapse, caused by real estate speculation, shown in real news footage. This tragic event sets the stage for the characters' struggles against the forces that threaten their community.
Guédiguian's films have been a staple of international cinema since the 1980s. His works, grounded in Marseille’s social milieu, encompass strong political themes, often focusing on working-class life and social issues within the city, reflecting his activist sensibility. 'The Party Goes On' is no exception, offering a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of Marseille's social fabric."
Movies-and-tv enthusiasts will find 'The Party Goes On' a captivating addition to Guédiguian's catalogue, presenting enthralling entertainment that showcases the filmmaker's long-standing commitment to the portrayal of Marseille's social realities. Following its release in 2025, this work has solidified its place within the realm of entertainment, offering a resonant commentary on political themes related to the city's plight.
