Interview with the Feature Film Jury of the 76th Festival de Cannes

Julia Ducournau, on being selected to serve on the Feature Film Jury

When Thierry Frémaux contacted me to offer me a spot on the Feature Film jury for this 76th edition, I didn’t answer the telephone. A few days later, Vincent Maraval, my producer at Wild Bunch, called to congratulate me; that was when I learned what was going on! I immediately contacted Vincent Lindon, last year’s President of the Jury, to ask him for advice.

Ruben Östlund, regarding the importance, in his view, of guarding against consensus

Consensus destroys daring! I want to encourage each member of the jury to keep from reaching a consensus. The idea actually is to completely demolish it! I want everyone to feel free and open.

“We must consider these films by following our own instincts and free ourselves from consensus”

This will allow each member to bring something different to this experience. I would love to see everyone fight for their ideas.

Damián Szifron, regarding the rules that will guide the Jury up to the Awards Ceremony

When we arrived, we discussed a number of rules and concepts that will guide our thoughts, and I agree with them. But I believe that we will also have to take into account the rules that the films themselves dictate to us. Certain films are going to carry us away and perhaps sweep everything aside to establish new rules. We’ll have to juggle these feelings, which constrain us, with a great freedom of expression.

Rungano Nyoni and her approach to judging the films In Competition

I don’t have a strategy for making a distinction between the films. Like Ruben Östlund said, we should not try to be intellectually superior.

Denis Ménochet, on how he plans to take on his role as juror

I love my profession, but I don’t want to approach this experience as an actor. My ambition is to enjoy it as a genuine spectator. I want to become immersed in the films.

Brie Larson, on how she expresses her passion for films

Each film is a unique experience. I like watching a film without any expectations, being surprised, and feeling all the emotion and magic that goes into its making. I believe that making a film is a real achievement.

Ruben Östlund, on the inequalities that subsist in the film world

We have to be aware of the issue of male/female inequality in films in order to fight it better. There is also the issue of class differences, which is important. Children from the underclass find it harder to become directors than others do.

Atiq Rahimi, on his dual role as writer/director

Films begin with the writing. I look at each film from the angle of both a director and a writer.

Maryam Touzani and the issue of gender in films

In my opinion, films are not about gender, but about people. We each make our films according to our own sensibilities.

Paul Dano, regarding the international scope of the Festival

I’ve followed the Festival for years in order to discover foreign films to watch, even if they aren’t necessarily distributed widely in the United States. The Festival de Cannes is a prime source for discovering good international films that will be released during the year.

Julia Ducournau, on her memories of the evening on which she received the Palme d’Or for Titane and the importance of this award.

I recall little of what happened that night since I mainly have a sensorial memory. But this experience on the Jury will probably bring back certain moments that I’ve forgotten! Awarding a Palme d’Or to a director is not a trivial gesture since this award truly changes your life. I can vouch for that. We talk a lot about the symbolic aspect, but I can tell you that a Palme is anything but an honorific title. There is weight and meaning behind this award. It’s a tremendous springboard for a filmmaker.