Sofia Coppola discusses late mother's 'Making Marie Antoinette' documentary at London Film Festival

Left · 2Sofia Coppola spoke about the documentary 'Making Marie Antoinette' at a screen talk at the London Film Festival on Thursday 8 October 2026. 1 2 Left · 2The documentary was directed by her late mother, Eleanor Coppola, and draws on more than 80 hours of behind-the-scenes footage Eleanor filmed during the making of Sofia's 2006 film 'Marie Antoinette', which starred Kirsten Dunst. 1 2 Left · 1The Hollywood Reporter says the film was assembled by Sofia Coppola and editor Aaron Matthews with input from Eleanor's close friends, and is screening at the 70th London Film Festival, which runs 7–18 October. 2

Left · 2Coppola said the idea began when she and her mother were at their family home during the COVID-19 pandemic and Eleanor suggested revisiting the footage, which Sofia had never seen; the two talked about making it into a film but it did not happen then. 1 2 Left · 2Coppola said that near the end of Eleanor's life her mother told her she wanted this film finished (The Hollywood Reporter adds she also wanted her book published), and that she felt she had to do it. 1 2 Left · 1She said she finds it embarrassing to see herself as a younger, less assertive director, and recalled dismissing her mother's filming on set, but hoped it could help young filmmakers see that directors evolve. 1

Left · 2Coppola called it 'a gift' to see the set through her mother's eyes and to see her mother as a mother watching her, something she now understands as a parent of two almost-grown daughters. 1 2 Left · 2She described the 'Marie Antoinette' shoot as stressful, with days falling behind because of costume changes, and said her mother was a 'grounding presence' on set; she was granted access to film at the Palace of Versailles. 1 2 Left · 1In the Hollywood Reporter's account, interviewer Edith Bowman led her through her career: Coppola said the success of 'Lost in Translation' gave her the freedom to make the big-budget 'Marie Antoinette', and that audiences at the time did not like Dunst's performance. 2

Left · 2Both outlets note that 'Marie Antoinette', which divided critics on release, has become a cult classic; Variety adds that it recently marked its 20th anniversary. 1 2 Left · 2Having recently worked on two documentaries, including 'Marc by Sofia' about Marc Jacobs, Coppola said she is looking forward to returning to writing and making a narrative feature, though she gave few details. 1 2