When I fell in love with Bahrain...

SHE is one of Europe’s rising young stars: beautiful, talented and the fourth generation of France’s premier acting dynasty.

Now, after spending the last three weeks in Bahrain, Aurore Auteuil, 26, wants to set up a production company in the kingdom and hopes to put together a Middle Eastern adaptation of The Vagina Monologues.
“I came here to visit my best friend,” explains the stunning actress, “and I fell in love with the country. I love the culture. I love the people. It’s as if we have the same blood.
“My dream is to open a movie production house here. People work so hard in business here that there is little room for the arts – and it’s so important for people to have that option.”
Her huge green eyes flash with passion when she talks about her stay in Bahrain and her plans to return. But she is also angered by the presentation of the region in the French media.
She explained: “I’m very angry because in France the media show us things about the Middle East that are very wrong. I love it here. I love the authenticity of the people, their kindness, respect and humanity.”
The diminutive actress radiates warmth and a Gallic charm that is at both self-effacing and incredibly animated.  The daughter of legendary actor, Daniel Auteuil, Ms Auteuil is a born actress.
“I come from a family of actors,” she explains “My great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all actors. My father took me with him to movie sets when I was a child so I was educated in his work from young age.”
At just 22, Ms Auteil made her first film, Nathalie. Then at 23, she acted alongside her father and Gerard Depardieu in the cult French film 36 Quai des Orfèvres.
“It was very emotional to work with my father because it was the first time I saw him not as my father, but as an actor. It was the first time we were on the same level,” she added.
Two years ago, in between making films and TV shows, Ms Auteil performed in Eve Ensler’s seminal production, The Vagina Monologues a play about female sexuality. Now she hopes to bring the production to the Middle East.
“I have to meet with Eve because we want to bring the show either to Bahrain or to Dubai,” revealed Ms Auteil.
The actress was reluctant to leave but was excited about her upcoming film, an adaptation of Celine Straniero’s book, Les Petites Joueuses.
“I’m very happy because in France there aren’t that many acting jobs for young girls. And it’s a great story.”
Ms Auteil is humble about her success. Her advice to actors is simply to work hard and to be passionate about their craft.
 “You have to work hard,” she says. “Don’t just think you want to be successful. It’s a world of jealousy and there are always people who want to destabilise you. The way is to be on stage for the love of it, not for the desire for success.”
In June, Ms Auteuil plans return to Bahrain.
Her love affair with the country has blossomed into true romance, as her heart has been stolen by a dashing Arab.
“I’ve fallen in love with a Bahraini,” she let slip, “and I can’t wait to get back.”
Bahrain, itself has been falling in love with the French in recent days as the kingdom has celebrated a number of events during the French Week.
The activities have included performances by bands and street opera companies, dancers, magicians, singers and culinary delights with the appearance of a number of leading French chefs.

EXCLUSIVE
By -RdS-
editor@gulfweekly.com