Claire Denis Moving Forward With Female Cannibal Crime Drama ‘The Soap Maker’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Claire Denis is set to write and direct a new film titled 'The Soap Maker,' inspired by the true story of a female serial killer. The film will explore the life of Leonarda Cianciulli, who murdered women and used their remains to create soaps and baked goods. This project marks Denis' next feature following her recent works and has gained traction with notable producers onboard.
- ▪Claire Denis is moving forward with the cannibal crime drama 'The Soap Maker.'
- ▪The film is inspired by the true story of Italy's Leonarda Cianciulli, who murdered women in the 1930s and 1940s.
- ▪Producers Sacha Ben Harroche and Ivy Freeman-Attwood have joined the project, which was first pitched in 2025.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home Film News May 16, 2026 10:25pm PT Claire Denis Moving Forward With Female Cannibal Crime Drama ‘The Soap Maker’ (EXCLUSIVE) Film draws inspiration from the true story of a serial killer who cooked the bodies of her victims into soap, cake and cookies. By Nick Vivarelli Plus Icon Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent @NickVivarelli Latest ‘Once Upon a Time in Gaza’ Wins Best Film at Critics Awards for Arab Films Announced in Cannes 15 hours ago Russell Crowe Set to Attend Italy’s Taormina Film Festival to Launch His Latest Film ‘Bear Country’ 17 hours ago Saudi Arabia Raises Film and TV Production Rebate to a Whopping 60% and Streamlines Red Tape 2 days ago See All Getty Images Claire Denis is moving forward with cannibal crime drama “The Soap Maker,” which the French auteur is…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Variety.
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