French thriller starring Marion Cotillard filming in Catalonia

The coastal town of Port de la Selva in northern Catalonia has been transformed into a movie set this week as filming takes place for ''Karma'', a French psychological thriller directed by Guillaume Canet and starring French actress Marion Cotillard. 

From Monday to Thursday, the production crew will shoot scenes in the town’s streets and at the local fishermen’s guild, with around 150 extras from the area participating. Additional scenes will be filmed in La Selva de Mar, a municipality close to the French border, while other Costa Brava locations are also expected to feature in the movie. 

Though the plot remains unknown, the movie will be a psychological thriller. The bulk of the film, however, will be shot in France. Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo and actors Leonardo Sbaraglia and Luis Zahera have also joined the cast. 

Monday marks the first of four filming days in Port de la Selva and La Selva de Mar. The initial scenes were shot at the fishermen’s guild, with several local fishermen participating. Other scenes are set to be filmed in the town’s streets and a parking area. From Tuesday onward, the set will move to La Selva, where shooting will take place at locations such as Font d’en Mollor, a fountain in La Selva de Mar, and the church.  

Boost for local economy 

Excitement is high in both towns, as it has been a long time since a production of this scale was filmed in the area. On the streets, the buzz is all about the movie.  

"The film crew has told us that the production involves around a thousand people. Some have already been staying here for weeks," said Roger Pinart, Port de la Selva’s deputy mayor. Pinart highlighted the significant economic impact of the production, bringing life to local businesses that remain open during the quieter months.