Press conference of the Jury of the 72nd Festival de Cannes
Meet the Feature Film Jury
The Jury of the 72nd Festival de Cannes, headed by Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu and composed of Kelly Reichardt, Elle Fanning, Maimouna N’Diaye, Alice Rohrwacher, Enki Bilal, Robin Campillo, Yorgos Lanthimos and Paweł Pawlikowski, was introduced to the press Tuesday afternoon a few hours after the Opening Ceremony. Selected excerpts from their conversations with the journalists.
Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu, on his responsibility as a member of the Jury:
I would like us to see the films without knowing who made them. I don’t want to have any indication of the name, sex or identity of the director. It’s important to appreciate the films for their value only, without being influenced. I’m not here to judge, but to be immersed in the films that we’re going to see. What matters is that we’re not here just to see the films, but to experience them.
Alejandro González Iñárritu, on his status as the first Latin American President of the Jury:
I’m obviously delighted to be the first Latin American President of the Jury. Through my art, I respond to the rejection of others and to cruelty. Donald Trump, along with other leaders, govern with rage and anger. As an artist, I use my work to counter the ignorance that may exist today. It’s important to make films and make sure they are seen around the world, in order to help us comprehend its diversity.
Elle Fanning, on having been selected to be a member of the Jury:
I’m still quite surprised that I’m a part of this Jury, which is composed of incredible artists. It’s a wonderful moment for me. I’m young, it’s true, but my career as an actress began very early. I’m honored and proud to represent youth and, as a young actress, be able to share my views with this Jury.
Yorgos Lanthimos, on his role as a member of the Jury:
It’s a big responsibility, but I’m happy to be in the enviable position of being able to watch so many films. With such a varied Jury, I have the opportunity to learn more and see things differently.
Enki Bilal, on his relationship with cinema and his place on the Jury:
Regardless of our professional endeavors, we are all united by the love of showing and expressing ourselves as artists, as well as by the love that we have for cinema. Cinema may have very little money and funding, but it delivers a lot of emotion and force.
Alice Rohrwacher, on her expectations as a member of the Jury:
It’s a big responsibility, and I feel that I’m going to learn a lot in the role of an audience member. I’m also happy to see that women are well represented this year, which proves that progress is being made.
Maimouna N’Diaye, on the same subject:
It’s an honor to have been selected to be a member of this Jury. I hope to pay tribute to all the people who have supported me, and I hope that my cinema family continues to grow.
