Cannes 2024 | Chantal Akerman's Latest Restoration

The Directors' Fortnight stands as an independent enclave within the bustling canvas of the Cannes Film Festival. Born in the wake of the tumultuous events of May 1968, when the cancellation of Cannes served as a gesture of solidarity with striking workers, this section was inaugurated in 1969 by the French Directors Guild. Unlike its competitive counterparts, the Directors' Fortnight remains an inclusive platform, welcoming both seasoned cinephiles and casual enthusiasts. Rooted in the socio-cultural zeitgeist of the 1970s, this forum mirrors the ever-evolving landscape of societal, political, and cinematic discourse, offering a space for dialogue that resonates with contemporary perspectives.

The Directors' Fortnight boasts a rich tapestry of short films and features across diverse genres, embracing commercial and arthouse endeavors while championing emerging voices in cinema. It often elevates films marginalized by traditional industry frameworks, demonstrating their capacity to resonate with audiences and generate commercial viability.

This year, the Directors' Fortnight showcases nine short films and twenty-one features, including four debut directorial efforts. Chantal Akerman's "American Stories: Food, Family, and Philosophy," released in 1989, earns a particular screening slot within this esteemed lineup. Andrea Arnold receives the Golden Coach Award at this edition of the Directors' Fortnight. A luminary of British independent cinema and former television actress, Arnold has thrice competed in the festival's main competition, clinching Jury Prize accolades for "Red Road" (2006), "Fish Tank" (2009), and "American Honey" (2016). Her penchant for narratives centered on female experiences and her adept portrayal of nuanced psychological landscapes solidify her status as a stalwart figure in contemporary British filmmaking.

"American Stories: Food, Family and Philosophy"

This year's Cannes Film Festival pays homage to Chantal Akerman's 1989 cinematic opus, "American Stories: Food, Family and Philosophy."

Residents of Manhattan's Lower East Side, including Judith Malina, co-founder of The Living Theatre, vividly recount the experiences of Jewish immigrants, their lives interwoven with themes of sustenance and loss. Undoubtedly, Chantal Akerman stands as Belgium's foremost female auteur. Born in Brussels in 1950, she honed her craft at La Fémis before embarking on a prolific filmmaking journey across France, Belgium, and the United States. Influenced by the narrative techniques of post-war European art cinema, Akerman's oeuvre is distinguished by its exploration of chance encounters and serendipitous occurrences, often centered around female labor, love, and desire. Her directorial repertoire spans diverse narrative structures, encompassing documentary, musical, and autobiographical genres.

In her youth, Chantal Akerman was heralded as a prodigious cinematic savant. Inspired by Jean-Luc Godard's "Pierrot le Fou" at fifteen, she resolved to carve her cinematic path. Despite a brief stint at film school lasting a mere three months, she opted for a self-directed apprenticeship, completing her debut short film, "Blow Up My Town," by age eighteen.

Her debut feature, "I, You, He, She," a contemplative rumination on self-introspection, was shot in only eight days, relying heavily on improvisation and minimal resources. This was swiftly succeeded by "Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles," a magnum opus hailed not only as Belgium's seminal cinematic offering but also as one of the finest exemplars of 'female cinema' on the international stage. In 2000, Akerman garnered acclaim for her controversial directorial venture, "The Captive," drawing inspiration from Marcel Proust's monumental literary tome, "In Search of Lost Time."

Tragically, on October 5, 2015, following a hospitalization for depression and a brief return to her Parisian abode ten days prior, Chantal Akerman succumbed to suicide at the age of sixty-five.

"This Life Of Mine"

The festival's opening film, "This Life Of Mine," directed by French auteur Sophie Fillières, delves into the life of Barberie Bichette, nicknamed Barbie, a woman grappling with an existential crisis. Revered as beautiful, nurturing, and dependable, she finds herself navigating the murky waters of middle age, oscillating between moments of profound melancholy and absurdity. As she confronts the inevitability of her circumstances, she grapples with questions of self-identity, interpersonal dynamics, and the enigma of existence itself.

"This Life Of Mine" stands as Sophie Fillières' swan song. A product of her cinematic legacy, Fillières, an alumna of the prestigious Femis directing program, graced the screen in "Anatomy of a Fall" by Justine Triet.

"Mongrel"

"Mongrel," a collaborative effort between Chinese, Singaporean, and French filmmakers, offers a poignant portrayal of Oom, an undocumented Thai migrant entangled in the web of human trafficking operations overseen by Chang in rural Taiwan. Tasked with bridging communication gaps between Chang and his caregiving team, Oom finds himself embroiled in a tumultuous uprising among the caretakers, precipitating a moral reckoning of loyalty and allegiance.

Wei Liang Chiang emerges onto the global cinematic stage as a Singaporean filmmaker of note. His 2016 work, "Jin zhi xia mao," earned acclaim by securing a berth in the competitive lineup of the 66th Berlin International Film Festival and clinching the "Best Short Film" accolade at the 18th Taipei Film Festival. "Mongrel" marks Chiang's maiden foray into feature-length filmmaking, promising a compelling narrative debut from this emerging talent.

"In His image"

Thierry de Peretti's "In His image" delves into pivotal moments in the lives of Antonia and her closest confidante, intertwining these moments with the most violent episodes in the political history of the island, spanning from the 1980s to the early 21st century.

Thierry de Peretti, a multifaceted figure in French cinema, serves as both actor and director. His earlier work, "Apaches," earned him recognition with a nomination for the Golden Camera Award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival in 2013. His latest endeavor, "Undercover," made waves with its selection for the 69th Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastián in 2021.

"Christmas Eve In Miller's Point"

Directed by American filmmaker Tyler Taormina, "Christmas Eve In Miller's Point" chronicles the Balsano family's final holiday gathering at their ancestral home. As Emily and Michelle's younger cousin revel in the festive fervor, they clandestinely slip into a winter wonderland, where suburban youth find solace in their rebellious paradise.

Tyler Taormina, an American writing, directing, and music polymath, boasts a modest yet impactful oeuvre. His previous works include "Ham On Rye," which garnered attention with its inclusion in the Filmmakers of the Present section at the 72nd Locarno International Film Festival in 2019. His latest offering, "Happer's Comet," earned acclaim with its selection for the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival in 2022.

"Desert of Namibia"

Yoko Yamanaka's sophomore feature, "Desert of Namibia," unfolds the poignant narrative of a young woman grappling with bipolar disorder amidst the flickering flames of dual candles. A mesmerizing portrait of Tokyo's Generation Z, the film captivates with its raw energy and irreverent charm, offering a surprising and non-idealized glimpse into contemporary urban life.

Yoko Yamanaka's journey into filmmaking was sparked by the recommendations of her high school teacher, setting her on a path of cinematic exploration. While pursuing a film course at university, she boldly decided to drop out before graduation, opting instead for a year of what some might call "aimless wandering." Yet, during this period of self-discovery, the seeds of her debut feature, "Amiko," were sown. This film catapulted Yamanaka to widespread acclaim and secured her invitations to numerous international film festivals in 2017. In 2018, "Amiko" earned a coveted spot in the 42nd Hong Kong International Film Festival lineup, cementing Yamanaka's status as a rising star in the cinematic firmament.

"East of Noon"

"East of Noon" is a fable centered around musician Abdo, who rebels against authority, seeking freedom beyond the confines of time through his artistry. Hala Elkoussy, an Egyptian artist and filmmaker born in Cairo in 1974, received the Abraaj Capital Art Prize in Dubai in 2010. Her debut feature, "Cactus Flower," was a contender at the 46th International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2017.

"Eat the Night"

"Eat the Night" follows Pablo, a young vendor in a northern town, who encounters a mysterious young man. Director Jonathan Vinel studied editing at Fémis. Caroline Poggi pursued studies at Paris-Sorbonne University and Pascal Paoli University of Corsica. They predominantly collaborate on filmmaking endeavors. Their short film "As Long as Shotguns Remain" clinched the Golden Bear at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival in 2014, followed by "Legacy, notre héritage," which competed at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival in 2016. Their 2018 film "Jessica Forever" was selected for the 43rd Toronto International Film Festival.

"Eephus"

"Eephus" is a baseball film depicting the live broadcast of the final game of the New England Amateur League, after which their beloved ballpark is demolished. As the game extends into overtime, daytime gradually yields to night, symbolizing the end of an era as we navigate these grown men's humor and hidden melancholy.

Carson Lund holds a Bachelor's degree in Film Production from Emerson College. He has directed, shot, and edited various film projects and currently produces and edits online and broadcast content for Razorfish. This film marks his feature directorial debut.

"Gazer"

"Gazer" marks director Ryan J. Sloan's debut. Set in Newark, the film tells the story of a young mother, Frankie Rhodes, who suffers from a rare degenerative brain disorder called circadian rhythm disorder, leaving her unable to perceive time accurately. Prone to paranoia and often "zoning out," she relies on self-recorded cassette tapes for safety and attempts to navigate the modern high-tech world. Unable to secure stable employment due to her condition, she desperately takes a job from a mysterious woman with a dark past.

"Ghost Cat Anzu"

"Ghost Cat Anzu" follows 11-year-old Karin, abandoned by her father at her grandfather's Buddhist temple in a rural Japanese town. Her grandfather enlists the help of his ghost cat, Anzu, to look after her. Anzu is a joyful, helpful, but rather naughty spirit cat. Sparks fly when their strong personalities collide, at least initially.

Yôko Kuno is a Japanese animation director and character designer. At the same time, Nobuhiro Yamashita, during his time at Osaka University of Arts, utilized unconventional characters and filming methods, making his work some of the most avant-garde and unique in contemporary Japanese cinema. He has since produced multiple video works. His university graduation film, "Hazy Life," marked his first feature film and was screened at several international film festivals, including the 2000 Film Festival Rotterdam, receiving critical acclaim.

"Good One"

"Good One" was India Donaldson's feature directorial debut and was nominated for the 40th Sundance Film Festival in 2024. The film portrays 17-year-old Sam, who is forced to accompany her father and his friends for a weekend in the Catskills Mountains during a hiking trip. This nuanced coming-of-age story depicts an insurmountable generational gap, showcasing how these two irreconcilable worlds coexist by getting as close to their characters as possible.

"Visiting Hours"

"Visiting Hours" explores the unlikely friendship between two women whose husbands are incarcerated. It's a meeting between a brave young mother and a refined bourgeois woman. What brings them together? The hardships? The loneliness? One person helping the other, or perhaps the reverse...

Patricia Mazuy is a French film director and screenwriter. Her film "Thick Skinned" was screened in a special section at the Cannes Film Festival in 1989. Eleven years later, her film "Saint-Cyr" was screened in the same section at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. Her recent works, "Saturn Bowling " (2022) and "5 Hectares" (2023), were both nominated for the Locarno Film Festival.

"Savannah and the Mountain"

Once upon a time, a revolution occurred in a small village in Portugal. "Savannah and the Mountain" is a hybrid documentary where villagers stage their ongoing struggle against government-led lithium mining plans threatening their land. Director Paulo Carneiro graduated from ESAD.CR majored in Sound and Image and later received an F.C. Gulbenkian scholarship to study film at ESTC and HEAD-Geneva.

He has worked as an assistant with several directors. In 2014, he produced the medium-length documentary "Water to Tabato," which was nominated for the Ji. Hlava International Documentary Film Festival. In 2018, his first feature film, "Bostofrio, où le ciel rejoint la terre," won numerous awards in Portugal and abroad and received widespread acclaim.

"Sister Midnight"

"Sister Midnight" is a fantastical punk comedy, a feminist revenge film, and a reimagined vampire movie, delivering an original, quirky, and spine-chilling tale centered on a rebellious, misanthropic character. Audiences follow the trials and tribulations of a young newlywed woman who discovers the harsh realities of marital life in the slums of Mumbai, all while her thirst for vengeance remains undiminished.

Karan Kandhari is an Indian screenwriter and director. His short films have competed at film festivals worldwide, including the London Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Encounters Film Festival. He has also directed music videos for renowned bands such as The Vaccines and Franz Ferdinand.

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed"

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed," tells the story of a mother and daughter who take over the family gambling business after the patriarch's death. The suburban working class, too, is eager to find its place in the world of sports betting. Director Hernán Rosselli studied editing at Enerc and screenwriting at Cievyc. He has served as an editor on numerous films. "Mauro" (2014) is his first feature film.

"The Falling Sky"

Adapted from the cult book "The Falling Sky" by the renowned Davi Kopenawa, "The Falling Sky" is a documentary symbolizing the Amazonian people's fight against gold mining and deforestation. This film immerses us in the core of Yanomami rituals and their sacred relationship with nature.

Eryk Rocha is a Brazilian film director, producer, editor, and cinematographer. Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha is a Brazilian actress, director, and researcher. For the past eight years, she has been developing an artistic research project dedicated to listening to Brazilian rivers altered by human activity.

"The Hyperboreans"

The film "The Hyperboreans" blends puppetry, stop-motion animation, and live-action. Directors Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña are a Chilean stop-motion animation duo. They live and work in Santiago and have been collaborating since 2007. Independently, they create paintings, animations, installations, and background scenes while writing texts. Their work often draws direct or indirect inspiration from children's literature, repurposing its narrative and visual aesthetics.

In 2018, their first film, "The Wolf House," was selected for the 66th San Sebastián International Film Festival. "Los Huesos" won the Best Short Film award at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021 and received the Jury Prize at the 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival in 2022.

"The Other Way Around"

"The Other Way Around" follows Ale and Alex, who decide to throw a party to celebrate their separation after 15 years of marriage, much to the bewilderment of their loved ones.

Jonás Trueba is a writer and director. His film "The August Virgin" received a Special Mention for the Crystal Globe at the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2019 and was nominated for the 46th César Awards in 2021. His recent work, "You Have to Come and See It," also received a Special Mention for the Crystal Globe at the 56th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

"To a Land Unknown"

"To a Land Unknown" tells the story of a Palestinian refugee on the fringes of Athenian society who is deceived by smugglers and embarks on a quest for revenge.

Mahdi Fleifel is a Danish-Palestinian film director. His films often explore themes of social injustice, primarily conveying the struggles of Palestinians under occupation. His critically acclaimed debut, "A World Not Ours," premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won over 30 awards. In 2016, he won the Silver Bear Award at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival for his short film "A Man Returned." His 2017 short, "A Drowning Man," was selected for the Cannes Film Festival.

"Universal Language"

"Universal Language" follows Negin and Nazgol, who discover a stash of money frozen in winter ice between Tehran and Winnipeg and try to retrieve it. Massoud leads a group of increasingly bewildered tourists through Winnipeg's monuments and historical sites. Matthew quits his job with the Quebec government and embarks on a mysterious journey to visit his mother. Space, time, and personal identities intertwine and resonate in this surreal comedy about being lost.

Matthew Rankin is a Canadian experimental filmmaker best known for his feature debut, "The Twentieth Century," which premiered in 2019. He received eight nominations for the Canadian Screen Awards and won three of them. The film was also selected for the 70th Berlin International Film Festival 2020.

"Plastic Guns"

"Plastic Guns," tells the story of a man in his forties arrested by the police. French authorities are convinced he is Paul Bernardin, wanted for the murder of his wife and three children years earlier. Two amateur detectives conduct their parallel investigation as the man protests his innocence. They know every detail of the case and are convinced the man is the family murderer. Meanwhile, a mysterious forty-something Frenchman is celebrating his marriage to a beautiful young bride in Argentina...

Jean-Christophe Meurisse is a French theatre and film director known for "Apnée" (2016) and "Bloody Oranges" (2021), the former of which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival Critics' Week, and the latter Out of Competition at Cannes.

Directors' Fortnight Short Films:

"After the Sun"

Set in the 1990s, "After the Sun" follows a family driving across France to Algeria, capturing the joyful memories of a vacation. The car becomes a space of isolated freedom, returning to the family's homeland.

Rayane Mcirdi graduated from Beaux-Arts de Paris in 2019. After studying at the School of Fine Arts, Mcirdi created video works that straddle documentary and fiction, casting family members or close ones and filming in familiar settings. His films capture intimate or collective moments in everyday life.

"Extremely Short"

"Extremely Short" is adapted from a short story by Hideo Furukawa. Kōji Yamamura is a producer and director whose works have been screened in over 30 countries worldwide. His 2002 work "Mount Head," inspired by Rakugo, was nominated for the 75th Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. His 2007 work, "A Country Doctor," won awards at the Ottawa International Animation Festival and the Hiroshima International Animation Festival. "Muybridge's Strings" won the Firebird Award at the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival's Short Film Competition 2012.

"Immaculata"

"Immaculata" is a horror/thriller that deftly weaves biblical imagery with a keen sense of storytelling and editing. Directed by Kim Lêa Sakkal, born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1994 and lived there until she was six, the film reflects her diverse upbringing across Dortmund and Spain.

"Immaculata" (2021) is her graduation film from the Academy of Media Arts Cologne.

"Antoine, Élise and Léandre"

"Antoine, Élise and Léandre" is a documentary that captures the journey of a young man poised to take over his family farm alongside his wife, who must carve out her own space within this environment. The film admirably reflects the uncertainties and challenges a new generation of farmers faces, accessible from a sociological gaze.

French director Jules Follet helms this project, having previously directed six short films, including "Waterfountain," which was selected for the 40th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.

"Mulberry Fields"

"Mulberry Fields," tells the quirky and humorous tale of a female salesperson wandering through an abandoned building, portraying an isolated figure who never quite connects. This film is a critique of ruthless capitalism.

"Our Own Shadow"

"Our Own Shadow," directed by Argentine filmmaker Agustina Sánchez Gavier, unfolds a series of mysterious disappearances, intertwining various fates within a forest, all set against an impending ecological disaster.

"The Moving Garden"

"The Moving Garden," by Portuguese female director Inês Lima, is a sunlit comedy and fairy tale. It takes viewers on a guided tour through a fantastical botanical garden enchanted by the poetic language of its floral inhabitants.

"Very Gentle Work"

"Very Gentle Work" can be described as an essay film that compares various acts of resistance and revolution from the 1920s to the present day. This alternative mapping of Manhattan evokes the novels of W. G. Sebald. Filmmaker and video producer Nate Lavey has had his work featured in "The New Yorker," "National Public Radio," and "The New York Times."

"When the Land Runs Away"

"When the Land Runs Away" is a hybrid documentary that tenderly embraces landscapes, machinery, and human faces. It tells the story of a rural area threatened by mining operations. This scandal has rocked Portugal and was directed by Frederico Lobo, a Portuguese director, cinematographer, and sound engineer.