Arts Thursday: Cannes
The 63rd Cannes Film Festival is in its final days, and the most exciting cinematic experience will award the coveted Palme d’Or. I was there and walked the red carpet for three of the Official Competition screenings-
“Des Hommes et Des Dieux’ directed by Xavier Beauvois,(the entrance captured,right) which is a powerful prayful film about a monastery in Afghanistan and the monks who live in inspiring harmony with their Muslim neighbours. Stirring emotional strengths, and along with the central performances of Lambert Wilson and Michael Lonsdale, this had a weeping standing ovation.
“Copie Conforme” directed by Iranian master, Abbas Kiarostami, stars Juliette Binoche, and opera baritone, William Shimmel with fabulous cameo from the legendary Jean-Claude Carriere. I was so pleased to be a guest at this screening as I especially loved the cast and the script. I won’t elaborate too much on the story because there is a reveal which I don’t want to spoil, but its.. woman meets man…..
The first Ukrainian film to be selected into the official Competition was Sergei Loznitsa’s “Mon Bonheur- My Joy”. Wow, it is a very strong, serious study of the dark side of contemporary Europe. Coming out at half past midnight into the beat and craziness of the Croisette was quite a shock. Another contender …But the word is that the Palme will go to”Another Year”, another masterpiece by Mike Leigh (Who won for Vera Drake) or perhaps “Biutiful” by Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu. The Australian presence was impressive. Of course the closing night film “The Tree”, directed by Julie Bertucelli was filmed in Australia and the co-producer Sue Taylor and Rosemary Blight were preparing for the premiere. Te other Australian film screening outside the market or the Cannes Cinephiles season, curated by the ever brilliant Bernard Bories, is Birthday the film. Directed and written by J Harkness and produced and starring Natalie Eleftheriades, this had a big buzz from its selection in the Cannes Independent Film Festival. And everyone at some stage is seen on the terrasse or the Grand Hotel. See below- Bernard Bories, J Harkness, Natalie Eleftehriades, Ra Chapman,
Cannes Cinephiles....Grand terrasse