AFFFF26 Rodrigue in Love

A fading actor, Stéphane (Baptiste Lecaplain, Family Therapy, AF FFF24), reluctantly reunites with the theatre troupe he once left behind to perform a light boulevard comedy at the Avignon Festival. For years, he has shared the stage with the same loyal actors, including his sharp-tongued partner in crime Coralie (TV-presenter Alison Wheeler). Together, they defend a popular, accessible form of theatre often dismissed by the classical establishment. At Avignon, Stéphane unexpectedly crosses paths with Fanny (Elisa Erka), a former colleague now shining on the classical stage. A harmless misunderstanding leads her to believe that Stéphane is playing Rodrigue in Corneille’s Le Cid. Flattered by the spark in her eyes, Stéphane chooses not to set the record straight and slips into a role he never meant to play. What begins as an awkward hesitation quickly turns into a lie he will have to sustain throughout the festival. Caught between two worlds, Stéphane juggles rehearsals, rival actors, backstage chaos and mounting suspicion. As the battle between boulevard theatre and classical tradition plays out around him, his deception becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. With each improvised explanation, the line between performance and reality grows thinner. With the help of his troupe, Stéphane tries to come clean, but his growing feelings for Fanny keep pulling him deeper into the role. How long can he keep playing Rodrigue before the curtain finally falls? Winner of both the Grand Prix & the Audience Award at the 28th Festival International du Film de Comédie de l’Alpe d’Huez, RODRIGUE IN LOVE is a joyous love letter to theatre, lies and summer romance, and the perfect film to close the festival. Take your seat now!