François Ozon’s ‘The Stranger’ Premieres to Acclaim, Set for International Release
A new film adaptation of Albert Camus’ iconic novel, The Stranger, directed by François Ozon, has garnered early praise following its premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The film, starring Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, and Swann Arlaudin, is slated for release in France and Italy, bringing a contemporary vision to the classic existentialist tale.
A Return to Camus’ Algeria, Filmed in Morocco
Ozon’s adaptation marks the second time Camus’ 1942 novel has been brought to the big screen, following Luchino Visconti’s 1967 version starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anna Karina. Filming for The Stranger took place in April 2025 in Morocco, specifically in the city of Tangier, which served as a stand-in for Algiers, the novel’s original setting. According to reports, the location choice aimed to visually capture the atmosphere of French Algeria.
First Look and Festival Reception
The first trailer for the film was released online on August 26, 2025, generating significant buzz among cinephiles. The film officially premiered on September 2, 2025, at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received a positive reception.
Gaumont will distribute The Stranger in French cinemas starting October 29, 2025, while BiM Distribution will handle the Italian release, beginning April 2, 2026.
Awards Season Recognition
The film has already begun to attract attention from awards bodies. In December 2025, The Stranger received nominations for the Lumières Awards, alongside Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague and Jodie Foster’s Private Life. Further cementing its critical standing, Ozon’s adaptation took home top prizes at France’s Lumière Awards in January 2026, as reported by Deadline Hollywood.
Gaumont boards François Ozon’s feature adaptation of Albert Camus’ ‘The Stranger’ starring Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder and Swann Arlaudin
Filming: “The Stranger” by Camus is reborn in Morocco under the direction of François Ozon
Tangier offers a glimpse of Algiers, in French Algeria, in the film adaptation of “The Stranger” by Albert Camus
First trailer for Francois Ozon’s ‘The Stranger’ ahead of Venice premiere
François Ozon’s ‘The Stranger,’ Richard Linklater’s ‘Nouvelle Vague’ and Jodie Foster in ‘Private Life’ Score Lumières Nominations as French Awards Season Kicks Off
François Ozon’s The Stranger’ & Richard Linklater’s ‘Nouvelle Vague’ Scoop Top Prizes At France’s Lumière Awards – Full Winners List
With its compelling source material and Ozon’s distinctive directorial style, The Stranger is poised to become a significant cinematic event, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless literary masterpiece.
