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Lucien

Lucien, a mime, reaches the limits of his craft. Struggling with sadness and loneliness, he finds himself unable to project the happiness his work demands. Lucien captures what happens when a mime, the medium of silent expression, can no longer pretend and explores the delicate balance between performance and authenticity. Lucien’s journey from despair to rediscovering his smile through a simple act of kindness reflects the profound impact of genuine human connection.

  • Simon Catillon
    Director
  • Simon Catillon
    Writer
  • Simon Catillon
    Producer
  • Maryaline Catillon
    Producer
  • Simon Catillon
    Key Cast
    "Lucien"
  • Shirley Shi
    Key Cast
    "Angela"
  • Atticus Boyle
    Director of Photography
  • Shirley Shi
    First AC
  • Zefu Chen
    Production Assistant
  • Simon Catillon
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 15 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    France
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon c200
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Simon Catillon

Simon Catillon is a French actor, writer, and director known for his distinctive fusion of traditional French art forms—particularly mime and puppetry—with modern storytelling techniques. His work has captivated audiences in Paris and New York, where he has significantly contributed to stage, screen, and television. In 2024, Simon's compelling performance off-Broadway in Small Acts of Daring Inventions showcased his ability to convey profound emotions through physical expression, solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer.

As a director, Simon pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. His short film Lucien, exploring the struggle between outward performance and inner reality, has garnered numerous accolades, including the Best Actor & Director Awards (2024), where Simon earned the Gold Award for Best Actor in a Silent Film and the Platinum Award for Best Director; the New York International Film Awards (2024), where Lucien won Best Silent Film and Best Actor, among other nominations; and an Honorable Mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (2025).

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Director Statement

With Lucien, my vision was to delve into the complex interplay between outward performance and inner reality. The film centers on Lucien, a mime who has reached the breaking point of his craft. Faced with a profound sense of sadness and isolation, Lucien struggles to maintain the façade of happiness demanded by his profession.

In creating Lucien, I wanted to explore the inherent tension between the silent art of mime and the genuine emotions it often masks. The film is a reflection on what happens when a performer, whose entire identity is built on expression without words, finds himself unable to continue the pretense.

The narrative is a journey from despair to rediscovery, underscoring how a simple act of kindness can rekindle hope and transform one's outlook. Lucien’s story is not just about a personal struggle; it is a universal exploration of the delicate balance between performance and authenticity. Through his journey, I aimed to highlight the profound impact of human connection, and how even the smallest gestures can profoundly affect our ability to reconnect with ourselves and others.

Ultimately, Lucien serves as a reminder that behind every smile and performance lies a deeper, often unspoken, reality. It is through genuine interactions that we find the strength to move forward and rediscover our true selves.