On March 16, 2025, viewers can tune in to France 2 for the airing of the touching comedy 'On sourit pour la photo,' starring Jacques Gamblin and Pascale Arbillot. This film explores the themes of nostalgia, love, and family dynamics as it tells the story of Thierry, played by Gamblin, who yearns to rekindle the spark of his marriage with his wife, Claire (Arbillot).
Thierry, recently retired, is consumed by the task of digitizing family photos from countless holidays over the years. His organizational obsession, though well-intentioned, creates tension at home. Claire, eager for more lively experiences like going to the cinema or dining out, finds herself increasingly frustrated with Thierry's lack of attention to their marriage. Eventually, she decides to leave him, seeking fulfillment elsewhere.
Desperate to win back Claire, Thierry proposes the idea of reliving their unforgettable family trip to Greece from 1998, which he refers to as their “best family vacation.” Officially, the trip serves as one last family outing before the inevitable announcement of their separation, but Thierry's true goal is to reconnect with Claire and show her he is still the man she fell in love with.
The narrative is not simply about Thierry's quest to save his marriage; it is also about the challenges and unpredictable moments the family faces along the way. With their two grown children, Karine (Agnès Hurstel) and Antoine (Pablo Pauly), reluctantly joining this reunion, the trip is bound to be filled with comedic hurdles and heartfelt moments.
'On sourit pour la photo' was released theatrically back in 2022 and has now been selected for television viewing, with its anticipated air time set for 21h05. The film was shot primarily during the summer of 2020, showcasing stunning locales south of Athens and on the Aegina island. Director François Uzan opted for these settings to convey more than just the tourist perception of Greece. He aimed for authenticity, reflecting the life and experiences of the Hamelin family, reflecting the changes the country has seen over the years.
Uzan remarked, "We were fortunate to be able to film at extraordinary locations thanks to effective local production. We even filmed at four o'clock in the morning at the foot of the Acropolis and other iconic sites." Such access enabled the filmmakers to capture the beauty of Greece, far removed from the crowded tourist spots.
One significant aspect of the film's production was its careful attention to aesthetic detail. Uzan aimed for every scene to resonate with aesthetic significance, treating this story as the Hamelin family's very own illustrated album, where beautiful photos evoke memories just as vividly as the narratives woven throughout.
With the weight of both comedic antics and the poignant undercurrents of familial love, 'On sourit pour la photo' is more than just another film about vacationing. It invites viewers to reflect on their own family memories and confront the challenges and connections woven through those experiences. For audiences ready to reminisce about love and laughter, this film is one to catch on March 16.
The dynamic between the characters is captivating and relatable, featuring realistic depictions of marriage challenges. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments promises to resonate with viewers, making it timely entertainment for the entire family. Don't miss the chance to see how Thierry's grand effort to revive the warmth of their family bonds plays out.
'On sourit pour la photo' highlights important themes of family, love, and the lengths people will go to behave and reconnect with their loved ones — these universal experiences are sure to strike chords with audiences of all ages. Tune in to France 2 on March 16, 2025, and prepare for a heartwarming rollercoaster of emotions.
Alongside this film, audiences can also look forward to several other exciting broadcasts, including the first investigations of the new season of 'Hudson & Rex' on France 3 at 21h05 and prominent matches featuring Liverpool against Newcastle at Wembley for the League Cup final, along with the Paris Saint-Germain facing Olympique de Marseille for the 26th day of Ligue 1. These offerings add value to the family entertainment options for the evening.