What time did you manage to wrap things up overnight?
THIERRY FREMAUX:There have been editions where weve finished at 3 in the morning.
This time we all left at 1 a.m. We even took the time to eat pizza with the team.
Johnny Depp as Louis XV in Jeanne du Barry, Justine Triet and Jean-Luc GodardEverett/Getty Images
Of course, I ended up fielding a few texts and messages at home.
DEADLINE:One of the final tasks is tying up the selection of French films in the lineup.
I read in the French press that you received 600 French films this year.
Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’Apple TV+ /Courtesy Everett Collection
Its probably more like 200 French films, but thats still a lot.
DEADLINE:Why is Cannes so important for the French?
And then, its simply a question of artistic satisfaction.
FREMAUX:The reason we end up so late is because of the French cinema.
We have to be very diplomatic and take care to write and call everyone.
Could this complaint impact the films screening in Cannes?
Its a private matter between two people.
It has nothing to do with her film and nothing to do with the Cannes Film Festival.
There is a complaint against her.
We dont know the outcome.
DEADLINE:What drove your decision to selectJeanne du Barryas the opening film?
FREMAUX: Its a beautiful film, andMaiwennis also part of the history of the festival.
The film is a success, andJohnny Depp[as Louis XV] is magnificent in it.
Is this fruit of a deliberate festival strategy or is it an organic development reflecting changes in the industry?
For me, it has always been about the films.
Nobody wants to say it, but things are getting better.
There are more women directors everywhere in the world.
We and all the festivals are taking more care.
I am not going to say that its a strategy, its rather a reflection of something natural.
What is interesting about this bigger presence of women directors is what they recount.
Its the female gaze.
That is also going to enrich the story of cinema, which is fantastic for us cinephiles.
Theres a scene where the woman reunites with her child.
Its a womans scene, written by a mother, Justine.
Its a feminine artistic spirit.
Im not for rejecting John Wayne.
I am rather for welcoming the arrival of new filmmakers.
Its also about results.
Nobody talked about it.
We only talk about things when they arent going well.
I also want to talk about it when things are going well.
FREMAUX:My cinephilia is to know the cinema of Glauber Rocher in Brazil or Ousmane Sembene in Senegal.
Diversity has always been there.
And this years selection is proof of that, and theyre good films.
Wed like to open more to South Africa, and we had the young Kenyan cineaste Wanuri Kahiu.
Its going to come.
DEADLINE:So far you have announced 52 titles in Official Selection.
Are you planning any additions?
FREMAUX:Maybe five or six more.
There are things that arrived at the last minute and are even arriving now.
Its better for everyone.
We dont want more than 60 titles.
We want each film to be properly looked after.
DEADLINE:There was strong buzz that Woody Allens new filmCoup de Coeurwas going to figure in the selection.
Is it under consideration?
FREMAUX:We havent seen Woodys film, and to pre-empt the question, or Polanskis film.
Are you planning to do anything to commemorate the director?
FREMAUX:Yes, were planning something.
That will be one of our future announcements.
There will be a tribute.
Were still reflecting on the details.
In the end, I think he preferred to stay at home and work.
He worked right up until his final days.
DEADLINE:One of the big coups of this year is securing Martin ScorsesesKillers of the Flower Moon.
Were you worried it might not happen?
FREMAUX: We talk all the time.
But its always a long negotiation.
At that point, we didnt know it was going to come out [in cinemas in France].
FREMAUX: I cant make any claim to that.
Apple accepted, in the same way, Amazon can accept too.
DEADLINE:At the moment, the film is set for an out-of-competition screening.
Do you think this might change?
FREMAUX:The invitation has been sent.
I can understand if the answer is no.
Once he had won the Palme dOr, Fellini stopped participating in the competition.
Marty might say he already has the Palme dOr and go down the same route.
DEADLINE:By when would a decision need to be made?
FREMAUX:By the day of the opening, so the jury knows.
We have a month.
DEADLINE:Another coup has beensecuringIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Will executive producer Steven Spielberg be joining director James Mangold and Harrison Ford on the red carpet?
FREMAUX:We havent got into the details yet.
I would love it if he did, because I would love to congratulate him forThe Fabelmans.
How much of the series are you going to screen?
FREMAUX:Were showing the two episodes, and together they are like a film.
We like to show series by cineastes.
Sam Levinson is a very interesting young cineaste.
DEADLINE:Steven McQueens Amsterdam-set filmOccupied Cityis getting a Special Screening.
Do you have your eyes onBlitzfor 2024?
FREMAUX:I meant next year, next time.
We talk all the time, but I havent seen it yet.
Are you getting pushback from directors with regard to that section?
FREMAUX:Actually, its the contrary.
Everyone wants to be in Cannes Premiere, especially after the success ofThe Night of the 12thandThe Beasts.
The way in which the films are shown in the section is very special.
Its with the same prestige and red carpet but without the same effervescence that you have around the competition.
Cannes Premiere also allows a cineaste to show their film more calmly which sometimes is an advantage.
Does it mark a big change for you?
FREMAUX:On one hand, its a continuation.
We all work together.
Her profile is that she comes from the industry side.
She also has a strong understanding of partnerships and knows exactly what she can bring.
I find her analysis of things very useful.
