Complete immersion as third assistant director
On this feature film, Anaïs held the position of third assistant director, a key role at the heart of the organisation of the set. Her main task was to support the actors throughout the preparation process: managing dressing rooms, coordinating with the dress, make-up and hair (HMC) teams, and helping the actors to arrive on set at the right time, ready and available to perform.
A double professional challenge
This shoot represented a major double challenge for her: her first feature film and her first experience in this position on such a large-scale project.
With a large cast and a substantial technical team, quick adaptation, communication and integration within the team were essential. However, Anaïs would like to emphasise the friendliness of the actors and crew, which greatly contributed to making this first experience both instructive and particularly enjoyable.
Strong constraints linked to the historical context
Furcy, né libre deals with the theme of slavery, a subject that demands great accuracy and respect in its portrayal. The main character goes through several stages in his life, involving a great deal of ageing work, as well as constantly changing costumes, hairstyles and make-up.
The HMC preparation was therefore particularly thorough and precise, especially when it came to the scars and physical marks associated with the character’s journey, elements that are essential to the credibility of the story.
An outstanding collaboration with the production team
Anaïs is very grateful for her collaboration with Luc Bricault, who put his trust in her from the outset, first as a trainee director, then as third assistant director on the shoot.
His approach, based on transmission, pedagogy and benevolence, was particularly formative. The entire directing team was very supportive, and the support of the second assistant director strengthened Anaïs’ desire to pursue this career path.
An emotionally powerful shoot
Among the most memorable moments of the shoot, Anaïs mentions the scenes involving the extras playing the slaves. These sequences proved to be very emotionally challenging.
As a native of La Réunion, this story touches her directly: the story of her island and her ancestors. Being on a plantation reconstruction, surrounded by shackled extras, in a silence broken only by the sound of chains, was a moment of rare intensity for her, experienced with great humility and respect.
A unique and seminal project
This film occupies a special place in her career. Firstly, because it is her first feature-length film, a truly seminal experience, but also because it tells a French story that is still too little known, that of slavery on Reunion Island.
Anaïs was lucky enough to be involved in the project both in Paris and on Réunion, enabling her to follow the film from preparation to screening. It was an honour to work on this project, which will remain a deeply moving human and professional experience for her.