If those roles are well done, we are happy.
However, Fremaux added a caveat.
He said film festivals are the final hurdle of a long and global film production chain.
Thierry Fremaux and Ruben Ostlund.Francois G. Durand/Getty Images.
When we had a lack of female directors it was not our fault.
It was the shape and the situation of world cinema.
Now the situation is much, much better, Fremaux said as an example.
Last year, in 2023 and 2021, we had two Palme dOr films by female directors.
He added: We are a reflection.
Of course, our choices and decisions create a different destiny for this or that film.
Continuing on contemporary hot-button topics, Fremaux discussed Netflixs continued absence from theCannes Film Festival.
Two films by the streamer (OjkaandThe Meyerowitz Stories) played at Cannes in 2017.
Fremaux said he invitedOjkaandThe Meyerowitz Storiesto play in a competition to promote a dialogue between exhibitors and streamers.
But it was a way for us to create a dialog with the platforms.
He used the example of filmmaker David Fincher to explain his views.
Hes still a great filmmaker, Fremaux said of Fincher.
But he doesnt exist at the same level in our hearts and minds as in the past.
He wants to work alone, quietly, making his films for platforms.
Its a different world.
We want him back in our world.
Finchers latest feature,The Killer, produced for Netflix, debuted at last years Venice Film Festival.
Fremaux, however, did not entirely condemn the work of streamers.
Which to me is the perfect reflection of our times, he said.
It could be a good film, Fremaux joked wryly of the movie.
The Goteborg Film Festival runs until Feb 4.
