On the evening of November 22nd, Sienna Miller hosted an exclusive screening of the short film Marion at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York City. The intimate event brought together luminaries from the worlds of film, fashion, and art, including Naomi Watts, Eliot Sumner, Karen Duffy, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Ann Dexter-Jones, NeueHouse’s Marcel Reichart, and more including UNTITLED’s Indira Cesarine.
Marion, produced by Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett and with Miller as executive producer, delivers an electrifying 13 minutes that blends fiction and reality. The film unfolds against the breathtaking yet brutal backdrop of La Course Landaise, a centuries-old French tradition of bull-jumping. At its heart is Marion, a mother and the sole female bull-jumper in France, navigating the tension of her first performance in a packed arena.
The screening at NeueHouse was perfectly complemented by the venue’s state-of-the-art Dolby-powered audio-visual system, immersing guests in the film’s intensity. Attendees sipped on cocktails featuring Juliette artisanal peach liqueur, enhancing the convivial atmosphere as anticipation built for the evening’s main attraction.
Caroline Larbère, a real-life bull-jumper whose inspiring story sparked the creation of Marion, plays the titular role. Her portrayal draws deeply from her lived experience, embodying resilience and defiance in a male-dominated sport. The filmmakers—BAFTA-nominated Joe Weiland (Gorka) and Finn Constantine—crafted a gripping narrative that explores Marion’s inner turmoil as she balances motherhood with her unrelenting passion for bull-jumping.
The film’s authenticity and tension captivated the audience, echoing the sentiments of Cate Blanchett, who described it as “visceral and intoxicating.” She praised the dynamic collaboration with Sienna Miller, highlighting their shared commitment to telling a powerful female story.
Miller echoed Blanchett’s enthusiasm: “Collaborating with Cate on Marion has been a privilege. It’s a story of courage and resilience, and we’re honored to share it with audiences in Venice and beyond.”
The filmmakers, Weiland and Constantine, expressed gratitude for the support of their powerhouse producers: “It’s been such a privilege to collaborate with Sienna and Cate, who are as passionate about this story as we are. Marion’s journey is a testament to bravery in the face of adversity, and we’re excited to see how audiences connect with her story.”
Marion is set to make its international premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it will compete in the Orizzonti Short Films International Competition. The film marks a significant milestone in the careers of its young directors, with Weiland building on the success of his BAFTA-nominated short Gorka.
The evening at NeueHouse was a celebration not only of the art of filmmaking but also of the resilience and strength of women who challenge conventions. As the credits rolled, the applause was more than just for the film—it was for the spirit of Marion and the creative team who brought her story to life.
The screening of Marion was a poignant reminder of cinema’s power to tell stories that inspire, provoke, and unite.
