The program
>> 6:30pm – Apéro Rencontre
Cleopatra, the first feminist icon?
By Pauline Ducret, scientific member of the Ecole française de Rome.
>> 7:30 pm – Ciné Club
Pascale Petit, a great Cleopatra
By Henry-Jean Servat, journalist and writer, cinema specialist.
>> 8:45pm – Classic Evening
Screening: Cleopatra, a Queen for Caesar
Directed by : Piero Pierotti and Viktor Tourjanski
Running time: 1h30
With actress Pascale Petit
Prelude: Confidences of a Cleopatra
Renowned actress Pascale Petit and journalist-writer Henry-Jean Servat invite you to rediscover a rare and fascinating film. With insights into the making of the film, historical anecdotes and a passionate look at a legendary figure, they’ll share with you all the richness of this little-known cinematic work. A unique moment, between cinema, history and glamour, in the presence of two emblematic figures of French artistic and cultural heritage.
Synopsis:
In 50 BC, Egypt is torn apart by the power struggle between Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy, under the watchful eye of the Roman legion commanded by Lucius Septimius. Cleopatra, failing to ally herself with the tribune, manipulates Theodotus to have her brother imprisoned. But her victory was short-lived: Theodotus freed Ptolemy, who regained the throne and condemned his sister to death. With the help of Achillas, chief jailer, Cleopatra escaped and found refuge in Syria, where she established a court in exile.
Meanwhile, Rome was engulfed in civil war between Caesar and Pompey. Pompey withdrew to Syria to reorganize his forces. Cleopatra, having won his confidence, tries to convince him to order Septimius into her service.
