Paris-based Tamasa Distribution is set to release Claude Chabrol’s “Première Vague,” a collection of seven early films, fully restored, as a Blu-ray box set in France on Nov. 18.
The Blu-ray release, announced on the eve of the Lumiere Film Festival’s International Classic Film Market (MIFC) in Lyon, follows the film collection’s premiere at this year’s La Rochelle Film Festival and a successful theatrical release in France.
“Première Vague” comprises the long unavailable titles “Les Biches” (1968); “The Unfaithful Wife” (1969); “This Man Must Die” (1969); “The Butcher” (1970); “Just Before Nightfall” (1971); “The Breach” (1970); and “Wedding in Blood” (1973).
“The Butcher”
Courtesy of Tamasa Distribution
Tamasa Distribution holds worldwide rights for the newly restored works and is currently in discussions with international distributors and platforms, according to Romane Muller, the company’s head of international.
Tamasa is also planning a “Seconde Vague” of restorations for late 2026, with work set to begin next spring, Muller added.
Another of the distributor’s highlights this year is Claude Autant-Lara’s 1961 masterpiece “Tu ne tueras point” (“You Shall Not Kill”), which Tamasa has restored in 4K.
“Awarded at the Venice Film Festival in 1961 for Suzanne Flon’s groundbreaking portrayal of the first female lead, the film has remained unseen until now, having been censored just one week after its initial release,” Muller said.
“Noir et Blanc”
Courtesy of Tamasa Distribution
Tamasa is also actively promoting Claire Devers’ powerful debut “Noir et Blanc,” which was presented at French cultural center L’Alliance New York in September by the director herself.
“We are seeking new collaborators and distributors worldwide to bring this essential auteur film restored in 4K — a Caméra d’Or winner at Cannes in 1986 — back into the spotlight,” Muller noted.
“The revival also serves as a tribute to the lead actor, Jacques Martial, who sadly passed away this August.”
“Joyeux Noel”
Courtesy of Tamasa Distribution
In France, Tamasa is lining up a number of theatrical releases, including Ettore Scola’s 1977 historical drama “A Special Day,” starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, which hits screens Oct. 15.
The distributor is also releasing Christian Carion’s 2005 WWI drama “Joyeux Noel,” featuring Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, Guillaume Canet, Dany Boon and Benno Fürmann, in cinemas on Nov. 12, following its 20th anniversary screening at the Lumière Film Festival.
Likewise heading to theaters on March 5 will be Jean-Louis Bertuccelli’s 1970 drama “Ramparts of Clay,” about a workers strike at an Algerian salt mine.
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