2013 Cannes Film Festival Predictions: Ruxandra Zenide’s About Cosmetics and Happiness

#80. Ruxandra Zenide’s About Cosmetics and Happiness

Gist: The second part of a trilogy that started with Zenide’s Ryna. In this one, Felicia, a young Romanian girl, arrives in Geneva for her mother’s funerals. Her mother was working in a cosmetic factory to send her money in Bucharest. Little by little, Felicia steps into her mother’s life – her apartment, her job, her friends – but realizes soon she wants more. The encounter with the factory’s manager seems to offer her new perspectives and opportunities. But there is a price to pay, and Felicia has to deal with her own values and identity.

Prediction: This is prime Critics Week material, the kind of wholesome, sophomore Euro-indie coming-of-age drama the sidebar eats for breakfast. The only question is will it be ready in time. Production company Elefant Films already lists a running time (90min…not to mention a shooting format of 35mm!), so we’ll take that as a sign that it’s almost or already in the can.