French author and screenwriter Philippe Claudel was born in 1962 in Dombasle-sur-Meurthe in Lorraine, France. His first novel was published in 1999 and he has had much continued critical success. The author of over fifteen novels (translated into over thirty languages and winner of many literary prizes), Claudel has recently turned his attention to making movies. He speaks about his life experiences and the creative process–detailing the evolution of his writing, and the differences between writing a novel and a script. Claudel’s better-known works include: J’abandonne (France Télévisions 2000 prize), Le bruit des trousseaux, Les petites mécaniques (Bourse Goncourt de la Nouvelle 2003 prize), Les Ames grises (English : By a Slow River) (2003 Prix Renaudot), La petite fille de Monsieur Linh (2005). He wrote the screenplay and directed the critically acclaimed movie I’ve Loved You So Long (2008) starring Kristen Scott Thomas, which won the BAFTA for Best Foreign Film and earned a nomination in the same category at the Golden Globes. In addition to his writing, Claudel is a Professor of Literature at the University of Nancy.

This presentation is generously sponsored by the Jean Bodfish Brown Fund. Thanks to the Délégation Générale de l’Alliance Française in Washington, D.C., for their participation in this project.

Recorded Thursday, September 21, 2006 at Alliance Française de Chicago.