On Thursday, October 22, 2026, ESRA Paris welcomed producer Philippe Carcassonne for another “ESRA Thursday” event. Following a screening of the film *The Father*, directed by Florian Zeller, the students had the opportunity to talk with him about his career, his profession, and the challenges of film production.
An Interview with Philippe Carcassonne, Film Producer
On October 22, 2026, ESRA students had the opportunity to meet Philippe Carcassonne, a French producer known for his work on numerous films, at the Jean Renoir Auditorium on the Beaugrenelle campus in Paris.
Throughout his career, Philippe Carcassonne has worked on films such as *Camille redouble* by Noémie Lvovsky, *Gemma Bovery* by Anne Fontaine, and *The Father* by Florian Zeller.
This event was part of the ESRA Thursdays series, an initiative that allows students to interact directly with professionals in the film and audiovisual industries and gain a better understanding of the realities of their careers.
"The Father": An Oscar-winning film
The evening began with a screening of *The Father*, the debut feature film directed by Florian Zeller, adapted from his play *Le Père*.
Starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, the film explores an aging man’s loss of bearings and the upheavals this causes in his family relationships.
Produced by Philippe Carcassonne, Jean-Louis Livi, and David Parfitt, among others, *The Father* won two Oscars in 2021: Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins and Best Adapted Screenplay for Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton.
This screening gave students the opportunity to discover or rediscover a major work of contemporary cinema before engaging in a discussion with one of its producers.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Film Production Takes Center Stage in the Discussions
After the screening, Philippe Carcassonne met with the students for a discussion about his career and his experience in the film industry.
This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the producer’s role in the creation of a film, from artistic guidance to the realization of a project.
The role of the producer is central to the development of a film. In particular, it involves bringing together the artistic, human, and financial resources necessary for the film’s production, while supporting the director’s creative decisions.
For ESRA students, this exchange provided an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the challenges of production and to learn from a professional who has worked on both French and international projects.
ESRA Thursdays: A Direct Dialogue with Film Professionals
Through the ESRA Thursdays program, the school continues its commitment to providing an education grounded in the realities of the film and audiovisual industry.
These meetings allow students to explore a variety of career paths, deepen their understanding of different professions, and compare what they have learned during their studies with the experiences of working professionals.
Philippe Carcassonne's visit exemplifies this commitment to bringing students into closer contact with those involved in the creation, financing, and production of films.
Watch the entire match on our YouTube channel:
