"I'm really moved that Line is here. She was there 15 years ago. She didn't really know what she was going to do but she said: + I'm coming + and she came. Thank you Line!", declared, voice trembling with emotion, Dominique Besnehard, co-creator, with producer Marie-France Brière, of this meeting of the 7th art, which has become unmissable.
Created in 2008, this festival, regional in its infancy, become national is in the process of becoming international, welcomed Mr. Besnehard on stage.
The opening of this anniversary edition, which took place in the presence of many guests including the general delegate of the Cannes Film Festival, Thierry Frémaux, the patriarch of the Pathé group Jérôme Seydoux or the actress and director Géraldine Nakache, began with a standing ovation from the public upon the arrival of the two co-creators.
Pre-recorded messages from several actors, including Karin Viard or Virginie Efira, were broadcast on the screen, in what took on the appearance of a celebration of the 7th art at a time when cinemas had still not regained their pre- Covid.
The kick-off of the festival (until Sunday) was given with the screening of "Une belle course", a dramatic comedy by Christian Carion with the duo of Ch'tis, Dany Boon and Line Renaud.
Of the fifty films that will be shown to the public, 10 are presented in competition.
Among them: "Annie Colère", the second feature film by the actress who went on to direct, Blandine Lenoir, with in the title role Laure Calamy, the actress of the series "Ten percent".
A film that will echo the news since it will return to the "Movement for the Freedom of Abortion and Contraception" (MLAC) which campaigned in favor of the right to abortion in France in the 1970s.
Another highly anticipated film: "Simone, the journey of the century", a biopic presented out of competition on Simone Veil, ex-minister, survivor of Auschwitz and figure in the fight for women, who will be played by Elsa Zylberstein.
Another highlight: the presentation of "Rumba la vie", the highly anticipated 2nd film by and with Franck Dubosc, in theaters on Wednesday.
Finally, Rwanda will be honored via a selection of nine films.
© 2022 AFP