Delete History (Effacer l’historique): Berlinale Silver Bear Winner
Identical Media is proud to have service produced Delete History (French: Effacer l’historique), partly filmed in Mauritius in August 2019. The film went on to win a Silver Bear, Special Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in February 2020.
About the Film
Delete History tells the story of three neighbours struggling with the absurdities of modern digital life. Marie fears losing her son’s respect after a sex tape leaks, Bertrand is tormented by advertising calls while protecting his bullied daughter, and Christine struggles with her rating as an Uber driver after losing everything to her addiction to TV series. Alone, they are powerless, until they join forces to fight back against the tech giants.
Ostensibly a comedy, the film reflects on how invisible digital systems control our identities, offering a mirror to 21st-century society. It’s an empathetic tribute to those who feel “left behind.”
Award Recognition
The Berlinale is one of the world’s most prestigious festivals, part of the “Big Three” alongside Cannes and Venice. Winning the Silver Bear, Special Jury Prize underlines the cultural and artistic importance of Delete History, and showcases Mauritius as a location capable of hosting award-winning international cinema.
Crew & Credits
- Written & Directed by: Benoît Delépine, Gustave Kervern
- Cinematography: Hugues Poulain
- Editing: Stéphane Guillot Elmadjian
- Sound: Régis Boussin
- Production Design: Philippe Hournon Madphil
- Costumes: Agnès Noden
- Make-up: Florence Colin
- Assistant Director: Gerard Bonnet
- Production Managers: Philippe Godefroy, Martine Habermeyer
- Producers: Sylvie Pialat, Benoît Quainon, Benoît Delépine, Gustave Kervern
- Executive Producer: Andreas Habermeyer
- Co-Production: France 3 Cinema, Pictanovo, Scope Pictures
- Produced by: Les Films du Worso (France), No Money Productions (France), Identical Media (Mauritius)
Filming in Mauritius
While primarily set in France, Delete History included key sequences filmed in Mauritius. Identical Media managed local logistics, crew, and services, demonstrating the island’s versatility as a location. Productions filming in Mauritius also benefit from the Mauritius Film Rebate Scheme, offering up to 40% back on qualifying expenditure.
Conclusion
Identical Media congratulates directors Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern and the entire team on their Berlinale success. Being part of this award-winning journey underscores Mauritius’ role in international filmmaking and our commitment to providing world-class production services.
Planning your next feature or commercial? Explore our Production Services and Post-Production Services or learn more about the Mauritius Film Rebate Scheme.
