‘November’ Director Cedric Jimenez on Weaving Thriller, Social Commentary and AI Themes in ‘Chien 51,’ a Paris-Set Dystopian Film; Studiocanal Launches Sales at EFM (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent After directing a pair of contemporary thrillers “The Stronghold” and “November,” French director Cedric Jimenez is diving into genre for his next movie, “Chien 51,” a dystopian film that once again explores the work and minds of cops but this time in a near-future environment ruled by AI. “Chien 51,” which reteams Jimenez with French producer Hugo Selignac at Chi-Fou-Mi (a Mediawan company) and distributor Studiocanal, is based on Laurent Gaudé’s 2022 futuristic thriller novel by the same name.

The movie marks Jimenez’s most ambitious movie to date and boasts a budget in the €40-million ballpark. The 18-week shoot took place on location in Paris, as well as in Marseille and in a studio where set were built.

One of 2025’s most anticipated French movies, “Chien 51” will boast extensive visual effects and stylish set designs with some spectacular scenes involving up to 500 extras.

On the eve of the EFM, where Studiocanal will introduce the project to buyers, Jimenez said he was drawn to making a bigscreen adaptation of “Chien 51” as soon as he read the book because he felt compelled by the mix of thriller, social commentary and technology.