Luxury Indian Ocean LUXURY INDIAN OCEAN #8 EDITION 2019 | Page 124

TENDANCES © Roger Arpajou /Les Films Pélléas It looked like an ordinary day. Hotel guests were enjoying the idyllic setting of the resort, while the staff was quietly minding their business. Nothing could disturb the serene atmosphere of the place. Only the sumptuous lobby was caught up in a bustle, as it was chosen for the set of a French movie. shoes of his character with remarkable ease, leaving the greenhorns that we are spellbound. Behind the camera, we sneaked a peek at the underside of movie making: amid the hotchpotch of cameras, wires and lights of all kinds, everybody remained perfectly focused. “Cut!” – It's a wrap! While the film director, camera operators and sound engineers were busy finalising the details for the shooting, the Head of production, Hélène Bastide, let us into the secret of the plot: “It's a rather grim love story. Lisa and Simon fall passionately in love in Paris. One night, the couple faces life threat. Soon after, Simon disappears and Lisa is left without news. Years later, she goes on holidays in Mauritius with Léo and comes across… Simon”. Later that afternoon, Benoît Magimel was all smiles when we met him by the swimming pool. The one who started acting at the age of 13 told us: “I've always dreamt of acting on an island. And this is my first time, after 33 years in the business! It's simply fantastic to leave the Parisian winter and wind up here, to enjoy this perfect combination of work and pleasure.” As we waited for the final preparations to be completed, we met Pierre Niney in the hallway. During this moment of rest, the young actor, who received a Cesar for his exceptional performance in the movie Yves Saint Laurent, took the time to share his views on the island: “A paradise environment, a relaxing atmosphere and kind people… It is pure pleasure to work in such conditions”. Talking about his first visit on the island a few years ago, Pierre confessed on a lighter note: “My first move was to enquire about surfing. I love it, and I am looking forward to surf this weekend”. Suddenly, the bustle around us faded into silence and order. “Lights, camera and… action!” Benoît Magimel entered the scene. Surrounded by extras and Mauritian actor Robert Furlong, who artfully took on the role of the Hotel Manager, Benoît Magimel slipped into the 124 Back in the lobby, the crew was waiting for nightfall to shoot one last scene. Nicole Garcia came to us, radiant and relaxed. She explained: “I fell under the spell of the Prince Maurice. It's the right place for the film due to the protection it offers… Well, in appearance only, since it will prove to be just the opposite at the end of the story. In the shadow of this love triangle, darker emotions are looming – as in a thriller. I can't wait to see how the movie will turn out”. Once the job was done, the team took the time to unwind. And so did we. Our incursion in the realms of film industry made us realise that behind glitter and fame, the production of a film requires patience, diligent work and a lot of energy. One thing is sure: we won't miss the film's release, knowing that the French public will cast a passionate gaze upon our island.