The Grand Illusion

In a barbaric fantasy sci-fi trip through time, sword-and-sorcery mythology is bent, fractured, and gender-swapped by master visionary Bertrand Mandico in his third feature epic. Six lives, six eras, and six deaths mark Conann’s poetic journey through different incarnations and lesbian loves. Guiding Conann through her many epic lives is Elina Löwensohn (AMATEUR, LET THE CORPSES TAN) as Rainer, a Cerberus of many otherworldly dimensions whose paparazzi camera sees all.

The perversity of THE WILD BOYS and the hero’s journey of AFTER BLUE (DIRTY PARADISE) – Mandico’s two previous films – come together in this even greater handmade homage as the director ropes in influences as lush as FELLINI SATYRICON, THE NIGHT PORTER, THE HUNGER, and Fassbinder’s entire oeuvre to craft a moving portrait of a warrior trying to find her place while outside of space, time, and meaning. Official selection of Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, Fantastic Fest, and Sitges.

In English and French with English subtitles.

“She Is Conann is not for the faint of heart, weak of stomach, or morally pious. It plays upon the most provocative ideas imaginable—pushing the boundaries of not only sexuality, gender, and self-image, but societal norms too.” Maggie Lovitt, Collider

“Director Bertrand Mandico’s lurid saga of gender-queer decadence and visceral violence is a ravishing sensory feast for viewers with strong stomachs.” Stephen Dalton, The Film Verdict