As a sought-after filmmaker and successful entrepreneur, Mariloup Wolfe experienced a number of successful years. His latest production, Coeur de slush, is out now and takes us back to the blessed days of youth. As the film picks up steam, it’s time for Mariloup to settle down. She wants to do this with her sons Manoé (13) and Miro (11) by dedicating the summer to them.
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Mariloup, with Coeur de Slush, what a beautiful story and what beautiful pictures you offer us!
It makes me happy to say this because it is an extraordinary universe to illustrate. Heart of Slush takes place in a water park, so I had a super nice playground. We had to imagine the universe and poetry of Sarah-Maude (Beauchesne, the author of the book that inspired the film) and illustrate the moments in the mind of Billie, the main character. I wanted to make it magical and larger than life. The underwater scenes presented challenges that were as technical as they were awesome. I have guided the young adults in this universe and also listened to their suggestions. I’m 45 but I want the film to appeal to today’s teenagers. At the same time, I don’t want to be in the fashion of the moment. There is also a vintage touch to the film, in part because Billie listens to Joe Dassin.
The young Liliane Skelly, who plays Billie, is a really great discovery.
It’s a great discovery! His game is good, very minimalistic. It’s all about subtlety and finesse. It was important that everyone had the same level of play. I didn’t want it to be cartoonish, I wanted it to be close to young people.
And the film got off to a great start at the world premiere.
Yes, we premiered it in the Czech Republic. On the evening of the premiere, the hall was filled with officials, ministers and important personalities. Since this is not the target group, I was afraid. I wondered if they could put on their teenage glasses. Eventually, I realized that regardless of age, culture, or language, first love is a universal, timeless theme. Some told me it made them nostalgic and took them back to their youth.
Photo: Dominic Gouin / TVA Pub
If I’m not mistaken, did your sons appear in your film?
Yes, they are together in the scene where we see two bathers in the water slides. They liked their experience. It’s like sowing seeds. They did well, so I can give them bigger roles later if they feel like it.
It’s a chance to make it!
Yes. They come to my work and see me work. If we listened to them talk about their experiences with this shoot, they would say that they froze and that I let them start a thousand times while I was warm in my coat… (laughs) That’s the vision, they got from me ! Seriously, you’re very proud.
The last few years have been particularly busy for you. You seem to be working tirelessly!
It’s true, I’ve had great years. While promoting Arlette, I started pre-production on “Cœur de slush” and finished the second season of “Le Grand Move” where I am currently working on the third season. This year we’re traveling across America as part of the show: Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, California and Western Canada. It was great shooting that! For me who loves to travel it was perfect! On the other hand, it requires a lot of organization. Also, I just finished the latest Chevrolet campaign and continue my collaboration with San Francisco. We have just extended our association for another two years. I am very happy. And I’m the new co-owner of the Roseline restaurant. It’s really great!
Of course you are an artist, but you are also a successful entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurship is in me. I am a businesswoman. That’s why I enjoy directing so much: it complements my artistic side but also allows me to exercise my leadership skills. When I shoot, it’s me who leads the teams. I owned an Énergie cardio gym for five years, but that adventure is over. When Jean-Marc Renaud, the owner of Le Roseline, asked me to stay at his place, I was already a customer. I had already asked him about it because I wanted to open a bar. Since he was looking for partners, he asked me to join him.
Was it a project that appealed to you?
Yes, because it’s a nice place with atmosphere and it’s close to my house. It works well. I didn’t put all my balls into this project. It’s a side hustle, a different experience. I have also decided to get involved in the MONDEL cinema school, which will open its doors in September. It allows me to give something back. I think it’s important to educate the next generation. It’s a great way to balance my interest in cinema and young people and being an inspirational model as a woman who has found her way in the film industry.
Dominic Goin
You’ve actually become a role model in that regard.
We don’t work for that purpose, but all the better if we become one. We were originally supposed to shoot Cœur de slush in 2016. At that point, Sarah-Maude didn’t have many opportunities to find a director. A few years later, she would have had many more opportunities.
Did you have an entrepreneurial model? your parents maybe?
No, my father is a psychiatrist while my mother was a painter. I had no model for this plan. It’s from me. Even in high school, I had a leadership spirit: I was part of the organizing committees for the prom and the runway show. At CEGEP it became clear that I wanted to carry out projects. I think it’s part of my personality. I show leadership. I can speak to a team, be empathetic, mobilize the troops and unify. I don’t know where it came from… My father is more of a chicken! (laughs) Painting a wall is a big undertaking for him. My mother passed away. My father thinks I have no common sense and never stop. Sometimes he even worries and reminds me that I don’t have to do the same. It has to be said that he had a job that ensured he never worried because he was always confident of having his job. I am a freelancer. I have to be in the action I put myself in
Up to date. As we say in the industry, we’re always judged on our latest project.
Do you think it keeps you alert in some way?
Yes, it keeps me awake and I find it very important in our job. I like that. I’ve been very busy, but I’ve decided to take the summer off with my kids. In order to be able to do it, I rejected all projects. It is voluntary. I need to step back and spend time with my kids. So I don’t know what to expect in autumn. I’m in the void I have Chevrolet, San Francisco, MONDEL restaurant, but I’m in a developing phase as far as artistic projects go. There are things on the table, but I haven’t actually planned any shooting days.
How do you compose with the void?
I love that! I must be feeling a bit empty at the moment because I’ve chained the projects together. I feel on my X. I feel in place. I don’t question my job; That’s really what I want to do. But I also have personal projects that I’ve never taken the time to write and develop. I have a project for cinema, but it will take time. I had suggestions for documentaries, but it’s not my turn. I just need to figure out what appeals to me and what I want to invest in.
Isn’t it normal at the age of 45 to be able to choose your projects?
It’s nice to take a step back. With the amount of work and stress I’ve had over the past few years, I need to take time for myself. I want to work out, spend time with my boys, exercise, travel, see my friends… During filming, my schedule is scary! Some of my friends ask me how I’m doing. I think I’m doing it because I’m trying to stay in the present moment as much as possible. When I look at my schedule for the next few weeks, I can usually get dizzy because it’s exhausting. Just looking at my day, everything is fine. When I expect it, I get a lump in my stomach. I can do my job better if I do it day by day because I’m fully present. It’s what helps me get through any project…
What are you planning to do with your sons?
We will travel to Morocco for 18 days. I will be alone with my two boys. I wanted to offer you a different, extraordinary journey that will disorient you. When I was nine years old I went to Morocco with my parents and I still remember it. I believe that because of this journey I am the traveler I am today. I have been to Morocco several times. I am very happy to come back!
Are the guys happy with your choice?
They think I’m intense… They asked me if they couldn’t just do nothing after school! (laughs)
You recently had the opportunity to travel with your eldest.
Yes, we went to Paris. Next year I will fly to Portugal with my youngest. I love travelling. I think it’s important that they see the world. In Paris, my eldest was responsible for buying our metro tickets. As before, we had a plan that determined the subway routes. At 11 and 13 they become adults. Miro is a passionate soccer player. So I’m a soccer mom. We are currently in the process of registering for secondary school. Manoé is in 1st secondary school and things have been going really well for him. He’s almost taller than me. I know it’s not difficult, but still! (laughs)
squishy heart hits theaters June 16th. The big step in America will be presented on Canal Vie this fall. To discover Mariloup’s collection in San Francisco: bsf.ca. To find out more about the Roseline wine bar: leroseline.com. To find out more about MONDEL – l’Atelier du Cinéma go to mondel.ca.
• Also read: Far away from the artistic realm, Mariloup Wolfe begins a surprising project