Camille Cottin Stars in ‘In the Land of Arto’ at Locarno Festival
Camille Cottin leads the cast in the new film In the Land of Arto, which will premiere at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 6, 2025. Directed by Tamara Stepanyan, a France-based filmmaker born in Armenia, the film explores themes of identity and the enduring effects of conflict.
The story follows Céline, portrayed by Cottin, who travels to Armenia to finalize the legal matters surrounding her late husband, Arto. Upon her arrival, she uncovers unsettling truths about his identity, prompting a deep dive into his past. As Céline navigates her journey, she encounters individuals affected by the 2020 conflict and veterans from earlier battles against Azerbaijan. This poignant exploration sheds light on the country’s turbulent history and the personal struggles of its people.
Cottin, known for her roles in Call My Agent! and House of Gucci, shares the screen with Zar Amir Ebrahimi, who also plays a significant role in the narrative. The ensemble cast includes Shant Hovhannisyan, Hovnatan Avédikian, Alexander Khachatryan, Babken Chobanyan, and Denis Lavant. The screenplay was co-written by Stepanyan along with Jean-Christophe Ferrari, Jean Breschand, Romy Coccia di Ferro, and Jihane Chouaib.
Stepanyan reflects on her connection to Armenia in her director’s statement, saying, “I no longer live in Armenia, but it haunts me like an amputated limb, living inside me like a ghost.” The film poses profound questions about grief and memory, asking, “Can the dead be saved?”
The festival’s website teases the narrative: “A woman chases a ghost, but how should she bury it?” This thematic inquiry underscores the film’s exploration of loss and the remnants of war.
Exclusive clips from In the Land of Arto have been released, showcasing pivotal moments in Céline’s quest. In one clip, she searches for Arto’s birth certificate, only to face unexpected challenges. Another clip features a conversation between Cottin and Ebrahimi’s characters, delving into their personal histories and views on family and happiness as they drive towards their next destination.
The Locarno Film Festival, taking place from August 6 to 16, 2025, is renowned for its dedication to showcasing independent cinema. Be For Films is handling sales for this French-Armenian co-production, further highlighting the collaboration between diverse cinematic traditions.
As anticipation builds for the film’s debut, In the Land of Arto promises to offer viewers a profound narrative interwoven with the rich and complex history of Armenia.
