Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to announce the Northern Arizona premiere of “Widow Clicquot,” screening July 19-25 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre and the Alice Gill Sheldon Theatre.

“The Widow Clicquot” is based on the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (1777-1866), the “Lady of Champagne,” who at the age of 20 married the heir to a wine-making family and became Madame Clicquot.

Although their marriage was arranged, an enduring love blossomed between Barbe-Nicol (Haley Bennett) and her poetic, unconventional and mercurial husband, François (Tom Sturridge).

Haunted by the untimely death of her husband, Barbe-Nicole, now Clémentine's mother, remains fascinated and obsessed with François's avant-garde experiments. At 27, she takes the name Veuve (French for widow), and is determined to uphold her family's traditions and take on the men and the government who would seize the vineyards.

Determined to advance her husband's theories on soil chemistry, vine morphology, and revolutionary bottling techniques, Barbe-Nicole bets on the next harvest and her own unique sparkling wine blend. Faced with the challenges of changing seasons, an aggressive competitor, Mr. Moet, and the Napoleonic Code of 1804 that banned women from running businesses, the elegant and intelligent widow must choose between succeeding or losing it all.

“Haley Bennett delivers a stunning performance as the Champagne Lady.” — Collider

“Widow Clicquot” will run from July 19-25 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre and the Alice Gill Sheldon Theatre. Showtimes are Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 19, 23 and 24 at 7pm; Saturday, Sunday and Monday, July 20, 21 and 22 at 4pm; and Thursday, July 25 at 6:30pm.

Tickets are $12, or $9 for festival members. For tickets or more information, call 928-282-1177. Both the theater and festival offices are at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A in West Sedona. For more information, visit the website at Sedona Film Festival.