Julie Deply was born in Paris. She is an accomplished actor, having appeared in such films as “Before Sunrise,” “Broken Flowers” and “Waking Life.” She has previously written, directed and starred in the features “2 Days in Paris,” “The Countess,” “Le Skylab” and “2 Days in New York.” (Press materials)
“Lolo” will premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival on September 18.
W&H: Please give us your description of the film playing.
JD: A comedy about a woman and a man falling in love in their 40s, but her environment and kid make it impossible. I made the kid a sociopath because that’s very far from my reality. Could have [made the husband a] sociopath, but that’s not funny at all.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
JD: Love in your 40s and narcissists/sociopaths.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
JD: The film is set in the fashion world. I find most films about fashion terrible because they are caricaturish, so finding the right balance between real and funny was difficult.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
JD: That they had a good time.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
JD: Hang in there, and never take no for an answer. It took me 20 years between the time I wrote my first screenplay and the time I actually got money to direct a movie — exactly 20 years.
W&H: What’s the biggest misconception about you and your work?
JD: I don’t know. People think women directors are tough. Truth is, I’m a pussycat and I hate conflict. I just want everyone to be happy on set.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
JD: French funding, European funding, TV channels, France 2, Canal Plus, Soficas and lended money on the prospect of foreign sales.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
JD: Jane Campion’s “An Angel at My Table” because it’s beautiful, poetic, insightful, sensual and subtle. And “Cleo from 5 to 7” by Agnès Varda.