Not Just a Religious Film
Marilou Berry Discusses New Film ‘Sweet Jesus,’ Career, and Feminist Activism
French actress Marilou Berry, known for her roles in both theater and cinema, stars in the upcoming comedy “Sweet Jesus,” directed by Frédéric quiring.The film, also featuring Isabelle Nanty, Évelyne Buyle, Valérie Mairesse, and François Berléand, is scheduled for release on April 9.
Berry on “Sweet Jesus” and female Emancipation
Berry portrays Sister Lucie, a nun who leaves her religious community after two decades to explore the world.In an interview, Berry discussed her reasons for accepting the role.
“The subject seduced me,” Berry stated. “The stories of female emancipation speak to me. The scenario… only talks about that. It is not a film on religion, really not. Religion is only a pretext here to tackle universal subjects: the way in which we question ourselves, the search for freedom… this comedy addresses the theme of choices that we make in life. Have we taken the right options? This question, everyone poses it at some point, whether we are a good sister or not.”
The film follows Sister Lucie after she learns of her early menopause during a medical visit.On a whim, she boards a bus, leading her on a road trip where she encounters unexpected characters and seeks out her youthful love, a boy wanted by the police, whom she believes to be innocent.
Faith and Personal Background
When asked about her own beliefs, Berry responded, “Like everyone else.Faith, for me, belongs to everyone. You don’t need to be religious or attend a place of worship to believe in something. When you are a child, you believe in Santa Claus. when you are an adult, you adhere to other things.”
Berry, the daughter of actress Josiane Balasko (Christian) and sculptor Philippe Berry (Jewish), described her upbringing as religiously neutral.”I grew up in a family where it was not a question of religion… I have always looked at it with an outside eye. And none of my parents never imposed anything on me.”
She added, “for anti-Semites, I am Jewish. For the Jews, I am not, because Judaism is transmitted by the mother. And either I am not Catholic either. This in-between suits me well. I was, in fact, educated in total neutrality, whether on a religious or political level.”
Filming Experience
Berry described the filming experience as “wonderfully well,” taking place in the Grand-Est region of france, near colmar, Mulhouse, and Nancy, and also in the Vosges mountains. Key locations included a monastery near nancy with a significant library and an old Vosges monastery repurposed as a cultural center.
Early Career and Influences
Reflecting on her early career, Berry recalled her frist role at age 8 in “My life is hell,” directed by her mother. Though, she considers her true acting vocation to have begun with Agnès Jaoui, who gave her her first significant role.
Berry said she was a shy child, “quite shy, set back, and not very good at social relationships with people my age… I have always had trouble getting along with people my age,because I did not know how to respond to their codes. I preferred to isolate myself, because it was easier for me.”
She found her passion for acting around age 16, eventually attending the Conservatory of the 7th arrondissement in Paris. A casting director discovered her there, leading to her role in Jaoui’s film “Like an Image” (2004).
Theater vs. Cinema
Berry enjoys both theater and cinema. “The theater has this advantage that nothing is frozen, we can always start again, and things only exist when playing them. It’s very pleasant.” She noted that cinema’s permanence can be both a benefit and a drawback. She also expressed enthusiasm for her recent work in television series, which allow for more extended character development.
Feminist Activism and Social Justice
Berry is actively involved with feminist organizations and advocates for victims of sexual assault. “My parents did not transmit to me the values that we often instill in women. I was not bottled with the idea that I had to be delicate, sweet or discreet. It gave me great freedom. When I started working, I realized that not all women had this chance.”
She supports various movements that defend women’s rights, focusing on issues such as wage inequality and sexual assault. “I think it is indeed critically important to talk about these subjects, to shed light on these injustices, as provided that they remain in the shadows, nothing will change.”
Berry also voiced her support for her cousin, Coline berry, in her allegations against her father, actor Richard Berry. “The least of things is to listen to women who have the courage to testify. Justice cannot always grant their compensation requests… But that does not mean that the facts did not take place.”
Future Projects
Berry is currently working on future projects, including a potential continuation of the “Joséphine” series and a series for TF1, written by Stéphane Debac. She also hopes to return to the theater in early 2026.
Marilou Berry: A Conversation About ‘Sweet Jesus,’ Career, and Activism
Who is Marilou Berry?
Marilou Berry is a french actress known for her work in both theater and cinema. She stars in the upcoming comedy “Sweet Jesus.”
What is “Sweet Jesus” about?
“Sweet Jesus,” directed by Frédéric Quiring, stars Marilou Berry as Sister Lucie, a nun who leaves her religious community to explore the world after two decades. The film follows Sister Lucie on a road trip where she encounters unexpected characters and seeks out her youthful love.
What is Marilou Berry’s role in “Sweet jesus”?
Marilou Berry plays Sister Lucie, the protagonist of the film.
What attracted marilou Berry to the role of Sister Lucie?
Berry was drawn to the film’s themes of female emancipation and the exploration of life choices. She stated, “The subject seduced me… The stories of female emancipation speak to me.”
What are Marilou Berry’s views on religion, according to the provided text?
Berry believes faith is individual, not necessarily tied to organized religion. She stated, “Faith, for me, belongs to everyone. You don’t need to be religious or attend a place of worship to believe in something.” She also described her upbringing as religiously neutral.
What has been Marilou Berry’s upbringing like?
Marilou Berry grew up in a religiously neutral household. Her parents never imposed any religious views on her. Her mother, Josiane Balasko, is an actress, and her father, Philippe Berry, was a sculptor.
what was the filming experience like for “Sweet Jesus”?
Berry described the filming experience as “wonderfully well.” The locations were in the Grand-Est region of France, near Colmar, Mulhouse, and Nancy, and also in the Vosges mountains.
Where was “Sweet Jesus” filmed?
Key filming locations included:
A monastery near Nancy with a important library.
An old Vosges monastery repurposed as a cultural center.
Grand-Est region of France, near Colmar, Mulhouse, and Nancy.
Vosges mountains.
When did Marilou Berry begin her acting career?
Berry’s first role was at the age of 8 in “My life is hell,” directed by her mother. Though, she considers her true acting vocation to have begun with agnès Jaoui, who gave her her first significant role.
What influenced Marilou Berry’s early career choices?
Berry was a shy child who struggled with social interactions. She found acting around age 16 and later attended the Conservatory of the 7th arrondissement in Paris.
What are Marilou Berry’s thoughts on theater versus cinema?
Berry enjoys both. She finds theater favorable because it is not fixed, and anything is possible in live performances. Cinema’s permanence can be both a benefit and a drawback. Also, she expressed her enthusiasm for recent work in television series, which allows for more extended character development.
How does Marilou Berry describe her involvement in feminist activism?
Berry is actively involved in feminist organizations and advocates for victims of sexual assault.She supports movements defending women’s rights, particularly concerning wage inequality and sexual assault.