The 77th Festival de Cannes, a renowned film festival, is all set to begin with a grand opening ceremony. Legendary American actress Meryl Streep will grace the occasion as the esteemed guest of honour at the Grand Théâtre Lumière on Tuesday, May 14. Renowned for her unparalleled contributions to cinema, Streep’s presence promises to elevate the opening ceremony of this prestigious event. The Festival will culminate on Saturday, May 25, with the highly anticipated awards presentation led by Jury President Greta Gerwig.

Honorary Palme d’Or

In recognition of her outstanding career and indelible mark on the world of film, Meryl Streep will be awarded the Honorary Palme d’Or during the ceremony. She is among the elite actors, including Jeanne Moreau, Catherine Deneuve, and Jane Fonda, who have received this prestigious award. Streep’s return to the Croisette after 35 years since her last appearance in Cannes is highly anticipated, and she is expected to impact the Festival significantly.

Expressing her gratitude for the prestigious accolade, Meryl Streep remarked, “I am immeasurably honoured to receive the news of this prestigious award. To win a prize at Cannes for the international community of artists has always represented the highest achievement in filmmaking. To stand in the shadow of those who have previously been honoured is humbling and thrilling in equal part. I so look forward to coming to France to thank everyone in person this May!”

Something in us of Meryl Streep

Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux, the organizers of the Festival de Cannes, praised Meryl Streep for her long-lasting influence on cinema, saying, “We all have something in us of Meryl Streep! We all have something in us of “Kramer vs. Kramer”, “Sophie’s Choice”, “Out of Africa”, “The Bridges of Madison County”, “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Mamma Mia!” Because she has spanned almost 50 years of cinema and embodied countless masterpieces, Meryl Streep is part of our collective imagination, our shared love of cinema.”

Queen of Cinema

Throughout her illustrious career, Meryl Streep has showcased an unwavering commitment to her craft, embodying various characters. From historical epics like “Out of Africa” to dramas like “Evil Angels,” Streep’s ability to inhabit complex roles has earned her numerous accolades, including a record-breaking 21 Oscar nominations.

Meryl Streep on the The Laundromat red carpet – ph Ilaria Costanzo

Advocate of Women in Film

Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has always been vocal in denouncing the precarious position of women in the film industry.
Aware of the issues surrounding the representation of women in Hollywood movies, she’s always been keen to portray all their facets in their complexity and fragility. From Stephen Daldry’s “The Hours” and Robert Altman’s “The Last Show” to two unexpected and funny roles: the cantankerous editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Donna, a hippie who marries off her daughter in the musical “Mamma Mia!”, Streep continues to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries.
She has also starred in biopics like “The Iron Lady” and “Julie & Julia” and political satires such as “Lions for Lambs,” “Pentagon Papers,” and “Don’t Look Up.”

As Meryl Streep takes centre stage at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, she embodies the spirit of cinematic excellence and artistic innovation. Her presence at the 77th Festival de Cannes is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and cinema’s profound impact on our collective consciousness.

The post Festival de Cannes: Honorary Palme d’Or to Meryl Streep appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Renowned filmmaker Jane Campion, hailed for her groundbreaking contributions to cinema, is set to receive the prestigious Pardo d’Onore Manor Award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival. This esteemed accolade celebrates Campion’s exceptional achievements in the world of filmmaking and recognizes her unparalleled creativity and artistic vision.

The Trailblazing Jane Campion

A series of remarkable milestones and groundbreaking achievements mark Jane Campion‘s journey in the world of cinema. From being the first woman to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for “The Piano” to receiving multiple Academy Award nominations, including winning Best Director for “The Power of the Dog,” Campion has carved a path of innovation and excellence.

Benedict Cumberbatch -The Power Of The Dog

A Unique Voice in Cinema

Campion’s cinematic repertoire is a testament to her unwavering commitment to artistic freedom and storytelling prowess. Whether delving into the complexities of human relationships in “The Piano” or exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche in “In the Cut,” Campion’s films resonate with audiences on a profound level. With each project, she pushes the boundaries of storytelling, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking narratives.

Tribute at Locarno77

The Locarno Film Festival‘s decision to honour Jane Campion with the Pardo d’Onore Manor Award is a fitting tribute to her unparalleled contributions to cinema. As part of the festival’s tribute program, audiences will have the opportunity to experience two iconic works from Campion’s oeuvre: “An Angel at My Table” and “The Piano,” presented in a new 4K restoration on the Piazza Grande. Additionally, a panel conversation with Campion promises to offer insight into her creative process and artistic vision.

Giona A. Nazzaro on Jane Campion

Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival, aptly captures the essence of Campion’s impact on contemporary filmmaking: “Campion has sustained genuine complexity in her artistic practice, free to weave a dialogue with audiences and with the film industry in which she works without ever compromising on her vision and her artistic ambitions.” Nazzaro added: “Jane Campion’s artistic freedom and willingness to take risks to find new and deeper insights into the richness and complexities of human experience make her an unparalleled point of reference for anybody who thinks of film as an instrument of expression and emancipation.”

The 77th Locarno Film Festival will take place from 7 to 17 August 2024.

The post Locarno77: Pardo d’Onore Manor Award to Jane Campion appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

The anticipation for the 77th Festival de Cannes is reaching a fever pitch as the full jury lineup has been announced, featuring a stellar cast of industry. This esteemed panel will be led by jury president Greta Gerwig to select the winners, including the prestigious Palme d’Or, from an impressive lineup of films vying for recognition. Let’s delve into the details of the jury members and the exciting competition lineup that awaits cinephiles at Cannes 2024.

The Jury

Heading the 77th Festival de Cannes jury is acclaimed director, screenwriter, and actress Greta Gerwig, known for her groundbreaking contributions to American and international cinema. Joining her are a diverse group of industry stalwarts, including Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, American actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, Spanish director and screenwriter Juan Antonio Bayona, Italian actor Pierfrancisco Favino, Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu, and French actor and producer Omar Sy. This dynamic ensemble brings a wealth of talent and experience to the table, ensuring a comprehensive and fair assessment of the competing films.

The Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes

Greta Gerwig – President

Greta Gerwig has made a name for herself in the film industry as an actress, screenwriter, and director in just fifteen years. Her journey began with co-writing and co-directing projects like “Hannah Takes the Stairs” and “Nights and Weekends.” Her breakthrough came with “Frances Ha” and “Mistress America.” Her solo directorial debut, “Lady Bird,” earned Gerwig widespread acclaim and five Oscar nominations. “Little Women” further established her as a visionary storyteller committed to challenging traditional narratives about women. With “Barbie,” Gerwig achieved an unprecedented milestone in cinematic history, making a billion dollars at the box office.

Competition Lineup Highlights

The competition lineup for the 77th Festival de Cannes is packed with highly anticipated films from acclaimed directors around the globe. Standout entries include Francis Ford Coppola‘s epic passion project “Megalopolis”, Yorgos Lanthimos‘ new film “Kinds of Kindness”, Andrea Arnold‘s “Bird,” and David Cronenberg‘s “The Shrouds.” Additionally, Ali Abbasi‘s Donald Trump biopic “The Apprentice” promises to spark discussion and intrigue among audiences.

New Additions to the Competition

Three new films have recently been added to the competition section, further enriching an already impressive lineup. Michel Hazanavicius‘ “The Most Precious of Cargoes,” Emanuel Parvu‘s “Trois Kilomètres Jusqu’à La Fin du Monde,” and Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” join the fray, offering fresh perspectives and captivating narratives.

Closing Ceremony and Awards

The 77th Festival de Cannes will culminate with the closing ceremony on May 25, when the prestigious Palme d’Or winner will be announced. Cinephiles worldwide will undoubtedly be keenly watching the jury’s deliberations as they determine the recipients of this coveted honour and other prestigious awards.

With an illustrious jury lineup and a diverse array of films vying for top honours, the 77th Festival de Cannes promises to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and creativity. As the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the winners, anticipation is running high for what is sure to be an unforgettable festival experience.

FRED Film Radio will be on the Croisette during the whole festival. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and highlights from the 77th Festival de Cannes.

The post The Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At the 39° Lovers Film Festival in Turin, the director Kate Maveau shared her story and the process of “It Burns“. A film about going through the five stages of grief.

Maveau zoomed in the isolation of the denial. With the participation of the actress Joke Sluydts, the director says that the whole crew opened and shared their stories during the making of the short film, which led to intense shooting days where everyone was deeply involved in the process, making it even more personal.

The film aims to let people see how it could be and how it could feel experiencing this moment, and that the reality is that it will not get better eventually and life will be different. After sharing her story, her message is to encourage people to talk during these moments, and not let anyone alone.

 

The post “It Burns”, interview with director Kate Maveau. appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At FRED microphones we had the opportunity to have a chat with Sonam Larcin, director of “Ce qui nous lie/The Bond Between Us“, before its first screening at the 39° Lovers Film Festival in Turin.

Sonam Larcin introduced his documentary about same-sex parenting, started from desire to have a child with his husband. The film explores the feelings and the emotions from different points of views, as friends and other couples, searching the bond between a child and the parents.

The Belgian director also talked about the situation around the world on this topic. Sonam Larcin hopes his documentary helps sharing the most important lesson about parenting: love the child unconditionally, regardless every other aspect.

The post “The Bond Between Us”, interview with director Sonam Larcin appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Anticipation for the 77th Festival de Cannes is reaching a crescendo, as additions to the lineup have recently been announced. These additions further enrich a program that will undoubtedly win over both audiences and critics.

Un Certain Regard

The Certain Regard section, known for its bold and innovative cinema, welcomes a trio of compelling films. Leading the charge is “When the Light Breaks” by acclaimed Icelandic filmmaker Rúnar Rúnarsson, set to open the Certain Regard section. Joining it are “Niki,” the directorial debut of French actress Céline Sallette, and the animated film “Flow” by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis.

Cannes Premiere

The Cannes Premiere program sees the addition of two poignant French films, further enriching its cinematic tapestry. Gaël Morel presents “Vivre, Mourir, Renaître,” while Jessica Palud brings “Maria,” a compelling exploration of the tragic life of Maria Schneider, known for her iconic role in “The Last Tango in Paris.”

“Maria,” Jessica Palud

Special Screenings

Several international films have been added to the Special Screenings section lineup. Among them are a Chinese documentary feature directed by Lou Ye that takes place during the pandemic, an Arnaud Desplechin film called “Spectateurs” which centres around the director’s youth and stars Mathieu Amalric, “Nasty” by Romanian director Tudor Giurgiu, and Oliver Stone‘s “Lula,” which is about former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“Spectateurs,” Arnaud Desplechin

Out of Competition

A film adaptation of “The Count of Monte-Cristo” by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, featuring Pierre Niney, Anaïs Demoustier and Pierfrancesco Favino, has been included in the Out of Competition lineup.

“Le Comte de Monte-Cristo,” Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte

Official Competition

The Official Competition segment welcomes esteemed filmmakers Michel Hazanavicius, Mohammad Rasoulof, and Emanuel Parvu, enriching the lineup with their distinct voices and compelling narratives. Hazanavicius’ animated feature, “The Most Precious of Cargoes,” offers a poignant exploration of humanity amidst the backdrop of World War II.

“The Most Precious of Cargoes,” Michel Hazanavicius

The plot of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” the latest film by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, is being kept secret. Rasoulof faced opposition from the Iranian government, which prevented him from attending the Cannes Film Festival last year, where he was invited to serve on the jury of Un Certain Regard. Iranian authorities confiscated his passport after he presented “A Man of Integrity” at Telluride, and he was subsequently sentenced to prison. After months of detention due to his health condition, he was recently released.

The last film in the competition is “Three Kilometers to the End of the World” directed by Emanuel Pârvu. The movie revolves around Adi, a 17-year-old boy from a secluded village in the Danube Delta. Adi’s parents make significant financial sacrifices by sending him to study in the nearby city of Tulcea. However, when they discover a difficult truth about their son, they deny him the unconditional love he expected from them.

The post Festival de Cannes: New Additions Enhance the Lineup appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

“Touched“ by Claudia Rorarius is participating to the 37° Bolzano Film Festival, after premiering in the Competition Cineasti del presente at the 2023 Locarno Film Festival, where it won the Pardo award to the best actors.

In competition,”Touched” explores the nuances between obsession, possession, co-dependence and care in a love story between a paraplegic man, Alex (Stavros Zafeiris) and his caregiver Maria, played by model and activist Isold Halldórudóttir.

As the title suggests, the film depicts the different meanings of being actually “touched”  by someone. The physical touch that can be either sexual or caring and then, the emotional touch, even more difficult to analyze.

Inspired by her experience with her father, who became paraplegic due to an illness, Claudia Rorarius explains that she decided to opt for a love story as it would allow her to also explore the sexual part and the physical interaction between the two protagonists.

To actually quote Claudia Rorarius in her director’s note: “A daring film about the emotional bond between outsiders, defying norms on disability and sexuality. As Maria, a fat woman, embraces her sensuality, the film explores the desire for love, closeness and fulfillment. Celebrating diverse bodies and breaking taboos”.

The post “Touched”, interview with director Claudia Rorarius appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

After premiering at the Berlinale 2023 in the Generation Kplus and traveling along Festivals, “Dancing Queen“ lands at the 37th Bolzano Film Festival in the Lili section.

The film is a coming-of-age telling the story of nerdy Mina who decides to learn very quickly how to dance in order to impress the school’s newcomer and famous dancer Edvin.

Director Aurora Gossé, in Bolzano to show the film to the kids participating in the Lili section, describes the film as “for all ages, a feel good movie about dancing and being true to yourself”.

With a delicate and attentive touch, “Dancing Queen” depicts all the extremes of adolescence by also exploring the worst sides, including eating disorders.

At the 37th Bolzano Film Festival,  Aurora Gossé has also participated in a BFFB talk about cinema for a younger audience.

The post “Dancing Queen”, interview with director Aurora Gossé appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At the 39 Lovers Film Festival, director Iossif Vardakis presented his documentary “AKOE/AMFI – The Story of a Revolution,” shedding light on the inception and impact of Greece’s first LGBTQ+ movement. In this interview, Vardakis delves into the significance of this untold story and the challenges of bringing it to the forefront.

Unearthing Untold Stories

Vardakis discusses his motivation behind documenting the birth of the first Greek LGBTQ+ movement in 1977, emphasizing the importance of preserving and sharing this pivotal moment in history. With a story never told, the documentary serves as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who fought for equality in the face of adversity.

Navigating Historical Challenges

The director reflects on the challenges of researching and capturing the history of a movement that existed in a time of limited documentation. Despite the scarcity of records, Vardakis embarked on a meticulous journey to piece together the narrative, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in portraying this transformative period.

Crafting a Multifaceted Narrative

Iossif Vardakis shares insights into his storytelling approach, blending archival footage, illustrations, and interviews to weave a cohesive and engaging narrative. By incorporating diverse narrative elements, “AKOE/AMFI – The Story of a Revolution” captures the essence of the movement while honouring the voices of those who lived it.

Audience Reception and Emotional Impact

Reflecting on the Lovers Film Festival screening, Vardakis expresses gratitude for the overwhelming emotional reactions from the audience: “It was more than I expected! There were great emotional reactions from the audience.”

A Moving Dedication:

Talking about emotional reactions, Iossif Vardakis sheds light on the poignant dedication at the end of the film, honouring both those who participated in the movement and those who were unable to. This heartfelt tribute encapsulates the spirit of resilience and solidarity that defines the LGBTQ+ community.

Iossif Vardakis’ film“AKOE/AMFI—The Story of a Revolution” emerges as a powerful testament to the courage and resilience of Greece’s LGBTQ+ community. Iossif Vardakis‘s dedication to telling this untold history offers a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of solidarity and activism. It is essential to remember and honour those who fought for us, those who first raised their heads, made their voices heard, and allowed everyone’s voices to be heard.

The post “AKOE/AMFI – The Story of a Revolution”, interview with director Iossif Vardakis appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At the 39th Lovers Film Festival, director David Lambert offered insights into his award-winning film “Turtles” and the profound themes it explores. From the inspiration behind the story to the significance of its title, Lambert delved into the intricacies of crafting a narrative that blends comedy with poignant introspection.

Exploring the Inspiration:

Lambert shares the origins of “Turtles,” highlighting the absence of representation of older queer couples in cinema. Motivated to fill this gap, Lambert embarked on a journey to portray the complexities of love, ageing, and existential crises through the lens of Thom and Henri’s relationship.

Balancing Serious Themes with Comedy

One of the striking aspects of “Turtles” is its ability to balance serious themes with tones of comedy. David Lambert reflects on infusing fun into the narrative, acknowledging the delicate dance between humour and heartfelt moments that underpin the dynamics of love, couplehood, and ageing.

Casting the Right Duo

Central to the film’s success were the performances of Thom and Henri, portrayed by the talented actors Dave Johns and Olivier Gourmet. The director discusses the importance of finding the right actors to embody these characters, whose chemistry and depth bring authenticity to their portrayal of love, loss, and resilience.

Embracing Individuality within Relationships

A central theme of “Turtles” is the protagonists’ introspective journeys as they grapple with rediscovering their individuality within the confines of a long-term relationship. Lambert emphasizes the importance of self-love and personal growth, highlighting the nuanced exploration of identity within the context of partnership: “To love someone, you need to love yourself first.”

Under the “Turtles” Shell

The film’s title, “Turtles,” holds symbolic significance throughout the narrative. David Lambert explores the symbolic layers of the turtles, which serve as symbols of resilience, longevity, and companionship. Through their presence, the film delves into the themes of endurance and adaptation in facing life’s challenges.

“Turtles” is a poignant ode to love, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection. David Lambert’s masterful storytelling captures the essence of ageing, love, and individuality within a richly layered narrative.

The post “Turtles”, interview with director David Lambert appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

It is a woman driven film, “Persona Non Grata“, the new film by Austrian director Antonin Svoboda, screening at the 37°Bolzano Film Festival in the Special section.

Inspired by the story of skier Nicola Spieb who reported she was a victim of abuse in her field, the film sees Gerti Drassl in the role of Andrea, a former skier who, after the death of her husband, decides to report the abuses she had to endure as a young professional.

With his non judgmental look on his characters, Antonin Svoboda focuses on his protagonist and her interactions, especially with the two other women in her life, her mother and her daughter.

While the latter becomes an ally along her difficult journey facing what she went through years before, her mother claims that “It’s always been like that and they should stop acting like a victim”.

“Persona Non Grata“ is the story of a woman’ second chance to live as, to quote Antonin Svoboda “she doesn’t have to stick with her past anymore,  she’s changing this past tense in the present for the future, she’s feeling alive”.

The post “Persona non grata”, interview with director Antonin Svoboda appeared first on Fred Film Radio.