Luc Besson’s biopic of Burmese pacifist leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady, will open the Rome Film Festival on October 27, reports Variety.
The film, from French director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Fifth Element), reveals the romantic side of Suu Kyi’s life through her relationship with British husband, Michael Aris, and their separation during Suu Kyi’s detention and house arrest, imposed on her despite winning the country’s election. Rebecca Frayn wrote the screenplay after 18 months of interviewing Suu Kyi’s relatives and friends.
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh (Tomorrow Never Dies, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) stars with David Thewlis; both will be in attendance for the opening. During filming, Yeoh was targeted by Myanmar authorities for portraying Suu Kyi, despite Besson’s attempts to film the movie quietly.
The Lady will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
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