The Buzzworthy Film That Won the Top Prize at This Year's May French Film Festival

Set against the backdrop of actual typing speed contests held in the 1950s, "Populaire" is a success entertainment film that blends the vibrant pop culture of 1950s France with a "sportsmanship" spirit. The thrilling competition scenes garnered attention in France, and the film also won the Audience Award, the highest honor, at the French Film Festival held in Japan this May. This highly anticipated film is finally set for release.

This is the feature debut film of emerging director Régis Roinsard. It is filled with homages to masterpieces of the era such as "The Apartment" and "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," featuring direction that will delight film enthusiasts.



The cast includes Déborah François, who debuted in the Dardenne brothers' "The Child," as the charming heroine. Romain Duris, a representative French character actor, plays the "tough coach." Additionally, the esteemed French actress Déborah François and others round out the supporting cast.

Rose's Ineptitude Hides a Talent for Speed Typing

In 1950s France, a time when women sought freedom and opportunities in society, the most coveted profession was that of a "secretary." The highest status one could achieve was to win the typing speed contests, which were popular competitive events at the time.

Rose, who moved from the countryside longing for city life, applies for a secretarial position at an insurance company run by Louis. Although she is hired, Rose's clumsiness leads to her dismissal within a week. "However,──" Louis proposes an unexpected plan.


Recognizing Rose's unique talent for speed typing, Louis harbors ambitions of partnering with her to win the world championship. From single-finger typing to ten-finger technique, practicing difficult literary texts, piano lessons, jogging, and mental training – Rose rapidly blossoms with talent, but──.

An Event Inspired by the Film Held at Select Recycle Shop "Pass the Baton"

"Populaire" delights with its fashion and interiors brimming with the pop and romantic culture of the era. Inspired by the film, the select recycle shop "PASS THE BATON" in Omotesando, which also deals in antiques, will host the event "Populaire meets PASS THE BATON – in the mood for 50's" from Thursday, August 1st to Sunday, August 25th.

The event will feature vintage clothing, accessories, and antique goods evoking a 1950s French mood, along with limited-edition painted-over bags created in collaboration with the film. Furthermore, they are calling for submissions of "items filled with stories of turning points and career advancements," "1950s items," and "items that evoke France" from the public, creating a space where visitors can experience the world of the film.



"Populaire"
Premiering Saturday, August 17th, at Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho and other theaters nationwide
Director│Régis Roinsard
Starring│Romain Duris, Déborah François, Bérénice Bejo, Miou-Miou
Distribution│GAGA
2012 / France / 111 minutes
© 2012 – copyright : Les Productions du Trésor – France 3 Cinéma – France 2 Cinéma – Mars Films - Wild Bunch –

"Populaire meets PASS THE BATON – in the mood for 50's"
Period│Thursday, August 1st – Sunday, August 25th
Hours│11:00 – 21:00 (Sundays and holidays until 20:00)
Location│PASS THE BATON Omotesando Store
4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Omotesando Hills West Bldg. B2F
Tel. 03-6447-0707