Barbara Schulz, an acclaimed actress, makes her directorial debut with the adventure film *The Secret of Kheops*. The story follows archaeologist Christian Robinson, who believes Pharaoh Khufu’s treasure is hidden in Paris. With a talented cast, including Fabrice Luchini, the film combines humor and heartfelt themes of father-daughter reconciliation, inspired by Schulz’s late father. Drawing from classic cinematic influences, it explores the thrill of treasure hunting set against the backdrop of Paris. The film is currently in theaters.
Barbara Schulz, known for her impressive acting career, is now stepping into the director’s chair! With her debut feature film, The Secret of Kheops, the César-nominated actress, recognized for her performance in La Dilettante, is fulfilling a long-held dream. Previously, she showcased her directorial skills with the short film The Misfortune of Others in 2018.
This thrilling adventure film features a talented cast, including Fabrice Luchini, Julia Piaton, Gavril Dartevelle, Johann Dionnet, and Vincent Heneine. The story revolves around Christian Robinson, an archaeologist who believes that the treasure of Pharaoh Khufu was secreted away to France and hidden in Paris during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign. With the help of his daughter and grandson, Christian embarks on a captivating treasure hunt, determined to decode the mysteries left by Dominique Vivant Denon, the Louvre’s first director.
While clearly inspired by classics like Indiana Jones, the film also draws from cinematic influences such as Dersu Uzala by Akira Kurosawa, Stolen Kisses by François Truffaut, and works from Philippe de Broca and Pierre Salvadori. Barbara Schulz notes, “I love that the characters are caught in humorous adventures that push them beyond their limits.”
A Heartfelt Tale of Father-Daughter Bonds
Barbara Schulz shares, “Directing has always been a passion of mine, and I took my time before embracing it. After directing a short film in 2018, I realized I couldn’t stop there. My first feature had to be personal, reflecting a story of reconciliation between a father and his daughter.”
This personal narrative fueled the development of her feature film script, which she dedicates to her late father, who passed away in 2005. “I began writing this story in various forms while revisiting my old notes. The idea of Khufu’s treasure hidden in Paris emerged, initially feeling too ambitious for a debut. Yet, I wrote a three-page synopsis for fun, merging it with my father-daughter reconciliation theme, and it sparked my motivation to bring this film to life.”
After refining her synopsis with Christophe Turpin, Barbara Schulz collaborated with Jérôme Tonnerre for three years to weave her family narrative into the treasure hunt storyline.
An Exciting Treasure Hunt in the Heart of Paris
The concept of Khufu’s hidden treasure in Paris originated from an intriguing article Barbara read. She explains, “I came across a story about a mummy discovered amid refuse, which belonged to Bonaparte’s companions. I also watched a documentary about the pyramid of Khufu, suggesting hidden chambers and secrets. As I drove past the Arc de Triomphe, I imagined what if Bonaparte had found Khufu’s treasure during his campaign in Egypt and returned it to Paris? Ancient Egypt has always fascinated me; I even dreamed of being an archaeologist.”
In The Secret of Kheops, Fabrice Luchini takes on the role of the daring archaeologist. However, he initially struggled to connect with the adventurous spirit of his character.
Fabrice Luchini as the Reluctant Adventurer
Barbara Schulz describes her lead actor, stating, “An adventurer is someone with unique insights, someone who makes connections others miss. Fabrice embodies an adventurer of literature. In the film’s first half, he stands alone against skepticism, clinging to his beliefs despite doubt from others. He has a bit of a Don Quixote quality—a picaresque hero who uses humor to lighten tense situations, reminiscent of my father.”
Fabrice Luchini relates his role to his theatrical experiences, saying, “I approached this character not just as an adventurer but as a man driven by intuition. Playing Victor Hugo nightly in front of an audience is a form of exploration in itself. My role is to make an author’s words accessible and enjoyable. I still find immense satisfaction in this profession, as it delves into the essence of being alive.”
The Secret of Kheops is currently showing in theaters.