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Top 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2009: #94. White Material

The director spent her entire childhood in Cameroon (see her excellent directing debut in the little seen 98′ film Chocolat) – so she has an aptitude and understanding for the narrative’s terrain.

Eric Lavallée

Published on January 6, 2009

#94. White Material

Director: Claire Denis
Writer(s): Denis and Marie N’Diaye
Producers: Pascal Caucheteux (The Beat That My Heart Skipped)
Distributor: Rights Available.

The Gist: This is a contemporary tale set on coffee plantations. Troubled by the rebellion, Maria refuses to abandon her business, which has been in the family for generations.
Fact: Denis’ last film, 35 Rhums (2008) was extremely well received by Venice and TIFF critics.
Why is it on the list?: The director spent her entire childhood in Cameroon (see her excellent directing debut in the little seen 98′ film Chocolat) – so she has an aptitude and understanding for the narrative’s terrain.
Release Date/Status?: Isabelle Huppert being named to be the president of the Cannes jury in 2009 – this means that in all likelihood, this would be showcased out of competition at Cannes.

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Eric Lavallée

Eric Lavallée is the founder, CEO, editor-in-chief, film journalist and critic at IONCINEMA.com (founded in 2000). Eric is a regular at Sundance, Cannes and TIFF. He has a BFA in Film Studies at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. In 2013 he served as a Narrative Competition Jury Member at the SXSW Film Festival. He was an associate producer on Mark Jackson's This Teacher (2018 LA Film Festival, 2018 BFI London). In 2022 he served as a New Flesh Comp for Best First Feature at the 2022 Fantasia Intl. Film Festival. Current top films for 2022 include Tár (Todd Field), All That Breathes (Shaunak Sen), Aftersun (Charlotte Wells).