“Cauliflower” by Aurélien Heilbronn

The film examines the duality of perspectives surrounding the Cauliflower Ear - a badge of honor for some, while misunderstood as a deformity by others.

Beyond the surface fascination with the ear itself, Cauliflower explores the themes of personal growth, virility and societal perceptions, identity and the pursuit of greatness.

The film invites viewers to question established notions of beauty and embrace the intricate shades of self-expression while celebrating dedication and perseverance.

FROM THE DIRECTOR:

“The film was born out of my personal connection to the mixed martial arts world. As a practitioner myself, I couldn't help but notice the diverse reactions and perceptions surrounding the wounded ear.

I wanted to explore the dichotomy between modern perspectives that view it as a deformity and the historical significance it held among the revered Pugilists of Ancient Greece.

The film examines the duality of perspectives surrounding the Cauliflower Ear - a badge of honor for some, while misunderstood as a deformity by others »

The main character played by Jess Liaudin, a former UFC fighter embodies authenticity and unapologetically embraces his true self, while the young character's misguided pursuit of respect and recognition leads him down a path of self-mutilation.

As the story unfolds my goal was that the ear would elicit emotions beyond simple aversion or awe. Its beauty is discovered in the unwavering dedication that drives fighters to push beyond their physical limitations, earning the coveted delphic badge of honor that is the cauliflower ear.”

-Aurélien Heilbronn

CREDITS

Starring//

Jess Liaudin

Cast// Xavier Murillon, Mathieu Boccia, Icaro Leonny

Director// Aurélien Heilbronn

Writer// Alaric Alexander Smeets

Producers//

Paul Gazai - Ever Paris

Alaric Alexander Smeets - Swell production

Aurélien Heilbronn

DP//Hugo Carlier

Post production// D-FACTORY, Christophe Wagnies, Julien Lanard

Sculptor// Justin Ryan Kendall

1st assistant director// Raphael Rhiems

1st assistant camera// Lola Roughier-Onnis

2nd camera assistant// Doria Hutchinson

Line producer// Paul Frey

Production coordinator// Lola Sibra Gonnard

Gaffer// Hugo Mesnil

Best Boy// Oscar Chadenat

Electrician// Anthony Hanna

Grip// Ugo Villaume

Assistant grip// Louis Gasca

Location manager// Samuel Weber

Hair & makeup / SFX// EMA SIMON

SFX assistant// Sofiane Thesse

Set designer// Alexis Barbera

Assistant set designer// Sarah Nicolle

Catering & craft// Paname Tasting

Editor// Vincent Fleischmann

Assistant Editor// Nicolas Delorme

Colorist// Nicolas Gautier

Flame Artist// Yann Masson

Digital Compositor// Mathilde Charon

FX supervisor// Jérémy Maillard

Sound studio// ROTARY LAB

Sound producer// Cedric Gaudard

Composer & sound designer// Noe Bailleux

Title Design// Lucas Grassmay


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