Founded in 1987 and taken over in 2013 at the initiative of Didier Couëdic, AVIVA Films is an independent production company with a strong international outlook, committed to an engaged, sensitive form of auteur cinema deeply rooted in contemporary social realities.
Through its films and documentaries, AVIVA Films seeks to amplify singular voices and to tell the stories of women and men who resist, rise again, and reinvent themselves.
Driven by a passion for intercultural encounters and for filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, Didier Couëdic pursues a patient and demanding approach, in the service of a cinema of meaning and openness.
Alongside him, Meyer Berreby (executive producer and production manager) and Alain Menut (from an industrial background) contribute their complementary experience, united by the same conviction: cinema remains a powerful space for dialogue, emancipation, and discovery.
Over the years, Didier Couëdic has contributed to the production of numerous films shot in the Balkans, Latin America, Iraq, Russia, and Georgia, many of which have received awards at international festivals.
This openness to the world and to independent creators now defines the identity of AVIVA Films.
AWARDS RECEIVED for films produced by Didier COUËDIC
The Singer
Directed by Kassem Hawal (90’, 2011 – Iraq)
- Grand Prix Hassan II for Best Actor, Rabat Festival (2011)
Albanian Chronicle / Prayers of Love
Directed by Arta Minarolli and Illiet Alichka (90’, 2009 – Albania)
- Best Screenplay Award, Balkan Film Festival (2011)
Vera
Directed by Francisco Athié (90’, 2004 – Mexico)
- Ariel Awards (Mexico): Best Soundtrack, Best Music, Best Special Effects
Zaman, the Man of the Reeds
Directed by Amer Alwan (75’, 2003 – Iraq)
- Best First Feature Award and Ecumenical Prize, San Sebastián Film Festival (2003)
- City of Amiens Award, Amiens Film Festival
- Audience Award, Timimoun Film Festival, Algeria
- Best First Film Award, Vesoul Film Festival
- Best Actor Award to Sami Kaftan, Rabat Festival, Morocco
- Grand Prix – Golden Cicada, Montereau Film Festival
- Best Acting Award, Carthage Film Festival
Burlesque Tragedy
Directed by Goran Marković (90’, former Yugoslavia)
- Best Director Award, Montreal World Film Festival
Tito and Me
Directed by Goran Marković (90’, 1992 – former Yugoslavia)
- Grand Prize for Directing and Acting, San Sebastián Film Festival
Documentaries
The Tunnel, the Secret of the Siege of Sarajevo
Directed by Nedim Longarević (52’, 2009/2010 – Bosnia)
- CMCA Award (2010)
- Radio and Television Laurel, Grand Reporter Awards (2010)
Tell My Friends That I Am Dead
Directed by Nino Kirtadze (75’, 2003)
- FIPA d’Or, Biarritz Festival (2003)
Best Film Award, Cinéma du Réel Festival (2003)
Elsa Zylberstein
Gabrielle, adoptive mother - confirmed
French actress acclaimed for the richness and sensitivity of her acting in France and abroad, Elsa is seen regularly at the Film Festival in Cannes. She alternates between auteur and mainstream films, with outstanding roles in "Van Gogh, Mina Tannenbaum", Un + une, and more recently "Simone, Le Voyage du siècle", in which she powerfully portrays Simone Veil. In 2009, Elsa won the César for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Il y a longtemps que je t'aime".
Tannishtha Chatterjee
Madhu, biological mother - confirmed
Indian actress and director renowned for her roles in independent films both in India and abroad, Tannishta was celebrated for "Brick Lane", which earned her a nomination at the British Independent Film Awards.
Tannishta also alternates between arthouse and mainstream films, playing the lead role in "Doctor Rakhmabai" and starring in supporting roles in "Women's Season" and the internationally acclaimed US-American drama Lion. She is a regular guest at major festivals such as the Toronto and Berlin film festival.
Benno Fürmann
Paul, adoptive father - confirmed
German actor renowned for his deep, sensitive roles, Benno is first know to an international public with "Belle Époque" and "The Princess and the Warrior", before gaining international recognition with "Joyeux Noël", presented at Cannes and nominated for Golden Globe and Oscar awards. Winner of several prestigious awards in Germany, he alternates between film, television and European productions. Benno recently appeared in the "Babylon Berlin" series, broadcast in over 90 countries.
Nir, the adopted girl in search of her origins adoptive mother -
Young woman between 18 and 25, of Indian origin. Character: silent, determined, fragile and strong at the same time, capable of conveying intense emotion while retaining an air of mystery. Casting is underway to find an authentic, sensitive actress capable of embodying the complexity of a character torn between two cultures