Festivals - FCAD 2023: Guillaume Canet as President of the jury

By Mulder, 06 june 2023

"I've always been fascinated by American independent cinema. Especially that of the 70s. Sam Peckinpah, Jerry Schatzberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese... These directors were often able to express themselves freely without the commercial pressures of the big Hollywood studios. They explored new narrative forms, experimented with new techniques and challenged traditional conventions. The cinema I grew up with has given birth to many talented filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson... and many others, who have brought their unique vision to the American cinematic landscape, a refreshing alternative to mainstream production.  And it is above all this creativity, boldness and diversity that I appreciate so much in independent cinema. This contribution to enriching and broadening our experience of cinema.  The Deauville Festival has become the essential meeting place for American cinema in Europe, and it is with great joy and pride that I have agreed to chair the jury for this 2023 edition.  Thank you to Bruno Barde for this invitation, and see you soon on the shores of the Côte Fleurie! - Guillaume Canet 

Guillaume Canet, born April 10, 1973 in Boulogne-Billancourt, is a French actor, director and screenwriter. He began his career as an actor, gaining recognition for his performances in French films in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

His most notable films include The Beach (2000), Love Me If You Dare (2003), Joyeux Noël (2005) and Tell No One (2006). He has collaborated with several renowned French directors and has won critical acclaim for his performances. In addition to his acting career, Guillaume Canet is also known for his work as a director and screenwriter. He made his debut behind the camera with 2002's Mon Idole, and went on to direct and write several successful films, including the critically and commercially acclaimed Ne le dis à personne (2006). He has also directed Little White Lies (2010), Blood Ties (2013) and Rock'n Roll (2017), among others.

Canet's films often explore complex human relationships and tackle themes of love, friendship and personal struggles. His works have received critical acclaim and met with success both in France and internationally. Guillaume Canet has received numerous awards throughout his career, including several César nominations. He is considered one of the leading figures in the French film industry, recognized for his versatility as an actor and his talents as a director.

The Deauville American Film Festival is an annual film event held in Deauville, a seaside resort in Normandy, France. The festival showcases American cinema and celebrates the diversity and creativity of American films. It was founded in 1975 by Lionel Chouchan, André Halimi and the then mayor of Deauville, Michel d'Ornano. Its initial aim was to promote American cinema in France and Europe, while strengthening cultural ties between the two countries. Over the years, the festival has become an important platform for the dissemination of American films in France.

The Deauville American Film Festival usually takes place over a ten-day period in early September. It features a wide selection of films from different genres, including previews of highly anticipated Hollywood productions, independent films and documentaries. The festival also pays tribute to renowned American actors, directors and other professionals, through special screenings and career retrospectives. A distinctive feature of the festival is its competitions. The Grand Prix is the main competition, rewarding the best film chosen by a jury of filmmakers, actors and other professionals. The festival also awards prizes for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay and Jury Prize.

The Deauville American Film Festival attracts a large audience, including film industry professionals, journalists and film enthusiasts. It gives filmmakers the opportunity to promote their films, take part in panel discussions and interact with the public in question-and-answer sessions. Over the years, the festival has welcomed many renowned American actors, directors and producers, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep and many others. It has earned a reputation as a prestigious event contributing to the promotion and appreciation of American cinema in France.

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville

(Source : press release)