Italian
Films Boutique relaunches Philippe Katerine’s ‘Pigskin’ for its 20th anniversary
A unique blend of documentary and fiction
Films Boutique has acquired the French and international rights to “Pigskin” (“Peau de cochon”), a 2004 film directed by the multifaceted Philippe Katerine. Known for his work as a musician, actor, and filmmaker, Katerine’s film is set to make a comeback at fall festivals to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
A star-studded cast
In “Pigskin”, Katerine stars alongside notable figures such as French singer Dominique A, film critic Thierry Jousse, and Helena Noguerra. Katerine’s talent has been widely recognized; he won the César for Best Supporting Actor in “Le Grand Bain” in 2019 and was named Artist of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique in 2020. His performance of “Moustache” on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show further cemented his international appeal.
A controversial yet captivating role
More recently, Katerine took on the role of the Greek God Dionysus in a scene that sparked debate for its satirical take on Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” This role showcased his ability to blend humor with profound commentary, a skill that is also evident in “Pigskin”.
The making of ’Pigskin’
“Pigskin” is a fascinating mix of documentary and fictionalized self-portrait. Shot in 2004, the film was produced by Michel Klein at Les Films Hatari, known for works like “Elementary”, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film features scenes captured by Katerine, his friends, and family, making it a deeply personal project.
The title “Pigskin” is inspired by a real-life event from Katerine’s childhood. At the age of 8, he underwent a life-saving graft with a piece of pigskin the size of a 5-franc coin. This personal history adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the film.
A DIY masterpiece
Jean-Christophe Simon of Films Boutique expressed his admiration for Katerine’s work, stating, “Being a great fan of Philippe Katerine’s art and music myself, I always considered ‘Pigskin’ to be an outstanding and unique film that was strongly underrated and lacking the recognition it deserved.” Simon praised the film’s DIY approach, calling it “a very funny and entertaining piece while being a powerful documentary about fantasies, death, and childhood.”
The journey from short film to feature
The journey to create “Pigskin” began in 2003 when Klein asked Katerine to direct a short film for Arte called “1km a pied”. This project involved retracing the walking path from Katerine’s school to his home, serving as a pilgrimage to recall forgotten childhood memories. The success of this short film gave Katerine the opportunity to handle a camera for the first time.
Klein recalls, “As with his guitar when composing songs, he then wanted to compose several sequences and asked me for a camera again. That’s how this film called ‘Pigskin’ was born as a record. An almost improvised film, a playful self-portrait, a film holding at heart his best friend: the child that Philippe was.”
A film worth revisiting
As “Pigskin” prepares for its relaunch, it offers a unique opportunity for both new audiences and long-time fans to experience Katerine’s distinctive blend of humor, personal reflection, and artistic innovation. The film’s return to the festival circuit is a testament to its enduring appeal and the timeless nature of its themes.
For those interested in exploring more about “Pigskin”, you can watch the trailer and find additional information here.
Final thoughts
“Pigskin” is more than just a film; it’s a journey into the mind and heart of Philippe Katerine. Its blend of documentary and fiction, combined with its deeply personal narrative, makes it a standout piece in the world of cinema. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, “Pigskin” is poised to captivate a new generation of viewers, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of childhood, creativity, and the human experience.
