Laurent Maria

French filmmaker Laurent Maria started his career as an actor-he appeared in several theatrical productions as well as in films such as Yves Saint Laurent (2014) for director Jalil Lespert. In 2014, he wrote, directed, and starred in his fifth short, Sunday (aka Dimanche), playing a “narcissistic pervert” who breaks up with a different lover every day of the week. Cleverly, each segment uses the same dialogue, but the tone changes slightly from day to day.

Two years later, Maria wrote and directed his 45-minutes featurette, Vinz (2016), which depicts the dynamics between a couple, Annabel (Fiamma Bennett), a photographer, and Louis (Maria) who works in commercials, and Vinz (Paolo Provenzano), the driver hired for a Barcelona excursion. Louis quickly becomes jealous of the attention Vinz gives Annabel causing friction. Annabel further stokes the sexual tension between the men by making them pose for photographs together. As emotions and desires bubble to the surface, Louis’ fears may not be unfounded. Vinz reveals all as Maria’s film investigates issues of truth and trust among the characters.

After two more shorts, Je suis sans Nouvelles (2016) and Anita (2018), Maria completed his full-length feature, Nina (2019). Rebecca Assor (Marie Chazaly) is an actress who meets with director Victor Nuñez (Maria) to rehearse the role of Nina in his new film. Victor’s methods are critical and exacting, which initially impress Rebecca, but soon cause her concern. As Victor becomes more controlling, Rebecca becomes more defiant.