Festivals - FCAD 2024 : An Evening of Reunion for Jury Presidents at the 50th Deauville American Film Festival

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauvill, 13 september 2024

On September 13, 2024, the Deauville International Center was abuzz with nostalgia and celebration as past and present jury presidents came together to honor the 50th anniversary of the Deauville American Film Festival. It was a symbolic moment for an event that has shaped the landscape of American cinema in France. Among those present were current jury presidents, Benoît Magimel and Alice Belaïdi, along with a distinguished group of former presidents, including Guillaume Canet, Mélanie Thierry, Élodie Bouchez, Clémence Poésy, Costa-Gavras, and more. This gathering marked a pivotal point for the festival, not only celebrating the future of cinema but also paying homage to the legacy that these influential figures helped build.

Benoît Magimel current Palmarès Jury president, presided over the festival with a deep sense of responsibility, having earned two César Awards for Best Actor. His presence was matched by Alice Belaïdi, who led the Revelation Jury, tasked with awarding fresh talents in the festival. Together, their leadership symbolized a bridge between the festival’s past and its future, continuing the work of highlighting innovative and emerging filmmakers.

As they walked the red carpet, the past jury presidents reflected on their time at Deauville and the transformative role the festival has played in their careers. Guillaume Canet, who presided over the 2022 edition, recalled the festival’s unique blend of intimacy and grandeur, a sentiment echoed by Mélanie Thierry and Clémence Poésy. For Élodie Bouchez and Rebecca Zlotowski, the festival had always been a platform for not only discovering new talent but also fostering a deep connection with American cinema, a central mission of Deauville since its inception.

Costa-Gavras, an acclaimed director and former president, reflected on how the festival has continually evolved, embracing changes in cinema while staying true to its core mission of honoring both independent and mainstream American films. His sentiments were shared by Audrey Pulvar and Claude Lelouch, both of whom praised Deauville’s consistent commitment to showcasing the diversity of American cinema. From social justice narratives to bold artistic endeavors, the festival has remained a space where ideas and cultures can be exchanged freely.

The presence of these legendary figures highlighted the longevity and enduring relevance of the Deauville American Film Festival. With the rise of digital platforms and changing viewing habits, many noted that Deauville remains a rare gathering place where filmmakers and audiences can share in the magic of cinema together. Pierre Lescure and Jean-Jacques Annaud underscored the festival’s role in promoting cultural dialogue between France and the United States, a theme that has defined the festival over the decades.

This reunion of past and present jury presidents underscored the festival’s long-standing tradition of celebrating cinema in all its forms. The 50th edition was not just a retrospective look at what the festival has accomplished but a forward-looking celebration of what lies ahead. As Benoît Magimel and Alice Belaïdi led this year’s juries, their presence symbolized the perfect blend of experience and fresh perspectives that the festival aims to continue nurturing.

The evening was more than just a gathering—it was a testament to the enduring power of film, the cultural bridge between nations, and the community that has grown around the festival over its fifty years. With current and past presidents exchanging stories and experiences, the Deauville American Film Festival looked back at its rich history while stepping confidently into the future, reaffirming its place as one of the premier showcases for American cinema in Europe.

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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville