New film charts widow Clicquot's rise as leader of the champagne industry

The Champagne region of France has a history of strong female leaders leading the region's renowned sparkling wine business, including Lily Bollinger, Louise Pommery, Mathieu Emile Laurent-Perrier and perhaps most famously, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot.

Born in 1777, Barbe Nicol took over the management of the House of Clicquot at the young age of 27 after the death of her husband. By the time of her death in 1866 at the age of 89, she had built the struggling company into one of the most powerful champagne houses in the world.

today, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut According to Drinks Business, it is the second best-selling Champagne brand in the world, selling for an average of $73 per bottle. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame Brut They range from $215 to $500 depending on the vintage.

If you like celebrating with a glass of Veuve ClicquotVeuve'Means'widowIf you're familiar with the film titled “Widow Clicquot” (French for “Widow Clicquot”), you might be excited to know that the new film, which sees Barbe-Nicole grow into the powerful character of Widow Clicquot, will hit theaters nationwide on July 19, 2024. Check out the film's trailer below.

An interview with film producer Christina Weiss Lurie

This week, I had the opportunity to see an early preview of the film and conduct an email interview with producer Christina Weiss Lurie. Widow Clicquot About the film: She talks about why she decided to make it, the challenges and successes along the way, and the important message it conveys to audiences.

“I read Tilar Mazzeo's New York Times bestseller. Widow Clicquot“I immediately knew this was a story that needed to be told,” says Christina. “Here was a fascinating, thoroughly modern woman living in a time when starting a business in 19th century France during the Napoleonic Wars was a difficult task.”

Indeed, the film depicts the hardships of everyday life in France at the time, including the blockade and war scenes that disrupted the champagne business.

“It's been incredibly difficult to succeed, especially for a woman,” Christina continues. “Though her journey began over 200 years ago, her struggle still feels incredibly timely — and her determination is to be welcomed.”

Regarding the challenges of making the film, Christina said, “Getting started on principal photography was probably the biggest challenge, as was making a historical period piece on an indie budget.”

But it was worth it: the cinematography in the vineyards, the chateau and the cellars is stunning, and the dark colours and dreamy flashbacks to when Barbe-Nicole was young and in love with her husband give the film an artsy, European feel.

According to Christina, a positive aspect was the fantastic cast, including Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge and Sam Riley, who were attracted to the film's subject matter. Christina also reported that she was very grateful to the “amazing French department heads who took pride in their work to make a beautiful film.”

The film celebrates the power of female entrepreneurs

The numerous setbacks Barbe-Nicol encounters throughout the film would be enough to make many give up, but she perseveres and ultimately triumphs in an ending that culminates with a sudden revelation in a courtroom scene. The conclusion of the 90-minute film is so well crafted that it's worth watching just for this final scene.

But ultimately, Christina says the film is about the power of female entrepreneurs.

“Barbe-Nicole Clicquot's skills revolutionized the industry. She was resourceful, daring and hardworking. She had unwavering commitment and never gave up,” Christina concluded.

This story and its universal themes should resonate with all entrepreneurs, but especially young women looking to develop their own voice and courage in today's tough business world.