Sara Forestier: Two-Time César Winner Swaps Paris for Countryside Amid New Literary Venture
MONTÉLIMAR, 21 February 2026 – The acclaimed French actress and filmmaker Sara Forestier has opened up about a significant shift in her professional and personal life, revealing a move away from the French capital and the release of her debut graphic novel, Maudite du cul ?.
A New Chapter in Rural France
Forestier, a prominent figure in the “Me Too” movement within the French film industry, has confirmed she no longer resides in Paris. Seeking peace and a creative sanctuary, the actress now lives in the countryside. “I love being alone, laughing at my pages in my house in the country,” she remarked during recent interviews, suggesting that the rural environment provides the authenticity and calm necessary for her current writing projects.
This transition comes at a time when Forestier admits to appearing less frequently on screen. While she remains a respected name in European cinema, she expressed a lack of certainty regarding her immediate return to film sets, noting that she is currently filming “much less” than in previous years.
‘Maudite du cul ?’: Breaking Taboos
On 5 February, Forestier released her first graphic novel, titled Maudite du cul ?, published by Éditions L’Iconoclaste. The work is described as an initiatory tale that explores the complexities of female sexuality and the quest for pleasure. Forestier, who has always demonstrated an artistic temperament through painting and writing, uses this medium to address social taboos with a “cash” and generous tone.
During a promotional appearance in Montélimar, the director of M (2017) emphasised that female desire is a central theme of her current work, arguing that “women’s desire is more important than the desire they arouse.”
Career Highlights and Key Facts
Born in Copenhagen to French parents, Forestier’s rise in French cinema was meteoric. She was discovered at the age of 13 after attending a friend’s audition and achieved national fame with her breakout role in L’Esquive (Games of Love and Chance).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sara Forestier |
| Date of Birth | 4 October 1986 |
| Major Awards | César for Most Promising Actress (2005), César for Best Actress (2011) |
| Notable Films | L’Esquive, Le Nom des gens, Suzanne, M |
| Recent Work | Maudite du cul ? (Graphic Novel, 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Sara Forestier moved away from Paris?
The actress sought a quieter, more authentic lifestyle in the countryside to focus on her writing and creative projects, stating that she enjoys the solitude and peace of rural living.
What is Sara Forestier’s new book about?
Her graphic novel, Maudite du cul ?, is an exploration of female sexuality, breaking down taboos surrounding pleasure and the personal journey of self-discovery.
Is Sara Forestier retiring from acting?
While she has stated she is filming much less and has “no certainty” about her next film role, she has not officially retired. She is currently focusing on her work as an author and her second feature film project, titled Alpha.
Which film earned her the Best Actress César?
Sara Forestier won the César Award for Best Actress in 2011 for her performance in Le Nom des gens (The Names of Love).