Fabrice Goldstein (E95): ‘The films I produce are the ones I would like to see.’

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The Académie des César honoured L’Attachement, a film produced by Fabrice Goldstein (E95) and Antoine Rein (E94) (Karé Productions) and directed by Carine Tardieu. At the 51st ceremony, the feature film won three awards: Best Film, Best Adaptation and Best Supporting Actress for Vimala Pons. 

Fabrice Goldstein (E95) looks back on the story of Karé Productions, from its beginnings to its consecration on the stage of the Olympia.

For the moment, the statuette stands proudly in the producer’s living room. “But it will probably return to the office. It’s meant to travel,” says Fabrice Goldstein. Receiving the César for Best Film was a distinction the Karé Productions team had hoped for, though not entirely expected: “Among the nominated films, L’Attachement was the only one that had not been presented in competition at Cannes. But I still had some hope.”

Released in February 2025, L’Attachement is adapted from the novel L’Intimité by Alice Ferney, published in 2020. The film tells the story of Sandra (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi), a fiercely independent woman in her fifties whose life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly becomes involved in the life of her neighbour and his two children. Gradually, and against all expectations, an adopted family begins to take shape.

Accessible auteur cinema

A story full of emotion and firmly grounded in reality, much like the films Karé Productions has championed for nearly thirty years. “I like to say that we produce accessible auteur films,” explains Fabrice Goldstein. Since the company’s creation, several films have left their mark on French cinema, including Le Nom des gens, Vilaine, La Vie très privée de Monsieur Sim and Bernadette. “The projects that move me are those that combine lightness with strong emotion. In the end, I think I produce the films I would like to watch.” He adds: “I don’t feel legitimate producing films whose audience I would not be part of.” 

Although both ESSEC graduates, Antoine Rein and Fabrice Goldstein did not meet at the school. 

After graduating, Fabrice initially considered a more traditional career. “I went through five interviews at a consulting firm, the last one with the managing director,” he recalls. It was that interview that put an end to his desire to enter the consulting world. “It was a long time ago and things have probably changed, but I remember he asked me this question: ‘If I slaughter all humanity, by how much does the Red Sea rise?’ At that moment, I realised this career was definitely not for me.” 

When the alumni directory changes a trajectory

Former president of the ESSEC Film Club, he then chose a completely different path. Using the ESSEC alumni directory, he contacted everyone working in cinema and managed to secure several meetings. Roch Lener (E81), president and founder of the animation company MILLIMAGES, agreed to meet him. “He told me he didn’t have a job for me. I insisted, saying I was capable of making coffee and photocopies,” he recalls with a smile. This led to a first experience lasting two years, after which he aspired to independence. “It was also while browsing this directory that I eventually met Antoine.” 

In 1996, Antoine Rein founded Karé Productions, soon joined by Fabrice. “That meeting was decisive. We have now been partners for 27 years.” 

Next chapters

The Karé Productions team is currently working on two new projects. “La vie obstinée (an adaptation of Wallace Stegner’s novel, winner of the 1972 Pulitzer Prize) will be our fifth film with Carine Tardieu. The bond of trust between us is very strong. We spend a lot of time listening to one another and discussing the text.” When receiving the César for Best Adaptation, the director thanked her two “faithful producers, both sensitive and demanding”. 

Another project underway: Peau d’homme, currently in post-production and expected in cinemas in 2026. Directed by Léa Domenach, with whom Karé Productions previously made Bernadette, the film will bring together two generations of artists. Two icons of French cinema — Catherine Deneuve and Karin Viard — will appear alongside Eddy de Pretto and Pomme, two talents from the queer music scene. 

Interested in the world of cinema? Join the ESSEC Alumni Cinema Club!

Interview conducted by Chloé Consigny (M07)