Sofia Coppola Finishes Late Mother's Marie Antoinette Documentary
Sofia Coppola has finished the documentary her mother began on the set of “Marie Antoinette.”
She discussed “Making Marie Antoinette” during a screen talk at the London Film Festival, describing it as a tribute to her late mother Eleanor Coppola, according to Variety. Eleanor Coppola directed the behind-the-scenes film and died in 2024.
The film draws on more than 80 hours of footage Eleanor Coppola shot during production. Sofia Coppola said the pair first spoke about turning that material into its own film during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of her life, Eleanor Coppola asked for it to be finished, and her daughter completed it as producer.
The 2006 drama starred Kirsten Dunst as the Queen of France. It was Sofia Coppola’s third feature film and her biggest production at that time. The team was granted unprecedented access to film in the Palace of Versailles.
Watching the old tapes was uncomfortable. Sofia Coppola said she finds it embarrassing to see herself as a younger director because she was not comfortable being assertive. She said she hopes that visible evolution will be helpful for young filmmakers learning the craft.
She described editing the documentary as a gift. It allowed her to see herself through her mother’s eyes. She noted she now has two almost grown daughters herself.
What makes this stand out is the double view it offers. Viewers see Versailles, wigs and vast crowd scenes taking shape. They also see a young director finding her voice while her mother watches from behind the camera.
“Marie Antoinette” recently marked its 20th anniversary. It divided opinion after its Cannes premiere and has since become a beloved cult classic. The new film also celebrates the work of costume designer Milena Canonero, according to Variety.
“Making Marie Antoinette” was listed as a Mubi title directed by Eleanor Coppola in the 2026 Telluride Film Festival line-up, according to Variety. It was programmed for its New York premiere in the Spotlight selection of the 64th New York Film Festival, which ran 25 September to 12 October. It will open in theatres on 23 Oct. before streaming on Mubi, the arthouse streaming service and distributor, on 6 Nov., according to USA Today.
Sofia Coppola also made “Marc by Sofia,” about fashion designer Marc Jacobs. She said she is excited to return to writing and creating a narrative feature after completing two documentary projects.
