JUMBO New Auteurs

Following the film, AFI FEST Senior Programmer Claudia Puig leads a discussion of the film JUMBO with filmmaker Zoe Wittock and actress Noémie Merlant.

Forbidden love is not a new theme to cinema. But Jeanne’s love is like no other. When the new amusement park “attraction,” The Move It, arrives at the local carnival where she works, Jeanne’s life is forever changed. With Jumbo, her pet-name for the twirling machine, what’s not to love? He’s pretty, fun and single. But how can they be happy when the world around them doesn’t understand. Actor Noémie Merlant (PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE) plays Jeanne with sincerity and never lets you feel like she is a punchline in a cosmic joke. This implausible premise is actually inspired by a true story, and director Zoé Wittock delivers a retelling that is compassionate and heartfelt. JUMBO is a delightful confirmation that love is love. Buckle up and get ready for an enchanting ride. –Eric Moore

(Photo by Caroline Fauvet)