Project Detail

Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)

Synopsis

When war breaks out in the lull of summer 1914, it surprises and pulls millions of men in its wake.

Christmas arrives, with its snow and multitude of family and army presents. But the surprise won't come from inside the generous parcels which lie in the French, Scottish and German trenches.

That night, a momentous event will turn the destinies of four characters: an Anglican priest, a French lieutenant, an exceptional tenor and the one he loves, a wonderful soprano and singing partner. During this Christmas Eve, the unthinkable will happen: rifles will be left at the bottom of the trenches as the soldiers go to see those opposite, shake their hands, exchange a cigarette and a piece of chocolate, and wish them 'Merry Christmas'.

Details

Year
2006
Type of project
Features
Running time
116 mins
Format
35mm
Director
Christian Carion
Producer
Philippe Boeffard, Bertrand Faivre, Kate Ogborn, Soledad Gatti-Pascual, Patrick Quinet, Andrei Boncea, Benjamin Herrmann, Christopher Borgmann
Co-Producer
Philippe Boeffard, Bertrand Faivre, Kate Ogborn, Soledad Gatti-Pascual, Patrick Quinet, Andrei Boncea, Benjamin Herrmann, Christopher Borgmann
Editor
Andrea Sedlackova
Screenwriter
Christian Carion
Director of Photography
Walther van den Ende
Sound
Pierre Mertens, Thomas Desjonqueres
Composer
Philippe Rombi
Principal cast
Diane Kruger, Benno Furmann, Nikolaus Guillaume Canet, Gary Lewis, Dany Boon, Daniel Bruhl

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Nord-Ouest Productions

41 rue de la Tour d'Auvergne
75009 Paris, France

T +33 1 5320 4720

The Bureau (UK), Artemis (BE), MediaPro (ROM), Senator (DE)

Sales Company

Films Distribution

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Let It Come Down Let It Come Down

Director: Anna Fredrikke Bjerke

Year: 2026

A couple travels to a secluded family home to restore it ahead of an appraisal survey. But their weekend is interrupted by an unexpected visitor whose presence tests the limits of mutual desire and causes passions to collide, leading to fatal consequences.

A man is performing a song at a karaoke bar. Life of the Party

Director: Joseph Cummings

Year: 2026

A lonely, aging karaoke bar-owner attempts to make friends with a group of young men that enter his club. As his advances fall flat, his behaviour grows increasingly desperate.

Two women hold each other's gaze and hands with a gift box between them. Fish & Chips

Director: Macadie Amoroso

Year: 2026

Fab plans a surprise for Cassie on their first anniversary, but Cassie's rough day, coupled with a party popper mishap, leads to a heated argument over dinner options. What starts as a takeaway tiff over Caribbean or pizza spirals into an identity battle, revealing deep-seated resentments about their racial and queer identities. With half of the film shot in one take, FISH & CHIPS is a tender, unflinching exploration of mixed-heritage identity, queer love, and the fine line between connection and conflict. Official Selection BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2026