Born in Montreuil , Seine-Saint-Denis , Vernoux was the only daughter of a casting director and of a set decorator . After several experiences as a production assistant , she debuted in 1988 as co-director of the music video for the song " N'importe quoi " by Florent Pagny , and in 1990 she wrote the film '' Pacific Palisades '' , inspired by her own experiences . In 1991 she made her feature film debut with '' Pierre qui roule '' , which was well received by critics . Her 1999 film '' Empty Days '' was entered into the main competition at the 56th edition of the Venice Film Festival , winning the President of the Italian Senate 's Gold Medal
56th edition
56th Venice International Film Festival
Marion Vernoux