Canal+ Teases New Audrey Diwan-Written Thriller ‘Smiling Hacker’ At Paris Event; Production around Tahar Rahim, Adil & Bilall

Studiocanal is on board to develop a partially English-language thriller Smiling hacker which is currently being written by Audrey Diwan.

Anna Marsh, deputy chief executive of parent company Canal+ Group, teased the project at an event in Paris on Wednesday to promote the pay-TV giant’s commitment to local and international cinema and to launch a new channel called Canal+ Box Office to introduce.

The film is loosely inspired by Algerian hacker Hamza Bendelladj, who made international headlines for robbing American banks and donating the proceeds to charity, and who became known as the “Smiling Hacker” or “Happy Hacker”.

Marsh said signing talks are ongoing The snake And The Mauritanian Star Tahar Rahim for the main and Belgian Naughty boys Directed by director duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.

“It’s a French thriller, partly in English. It was written by Audrey Diwan. We are honored and proud to work with her,” said Marsh.

Diwan, whose star rose after winning the 2021 Venice Golden Bear for an abortion drama happenis currently involved in a number of high-profile projects, including Emmanuelle Reboot, which she will write and direct.

“We are in talks with Tahar Rahim to play the lead role, nothing is confirmed yet, and Adil & Bilall to direct. We will update you if we have any further news,” Marsh said.

The project was one of several high-profile upcoming features involving Studiocanal, the production and distribution arm of Canal+, which Marsh addressed at the event.

She also noted the previously announced Josephine Baker biopic from Maimouna Decouré, Jonny Campbell’s sci-fi actioner. coldroomwhich begins filming in Italy in April, and the Amy Winehouse biopic Back to black.

Marsh revealed she was on the set of Back to black this week at Ealing Studios in London, confidential images of Marisa Abela in the role of Winehouse tease yet to be widely shared.