Yesterday The Deauville American Film Festival rolled out its red carpet for the first time this year. The particular context has been replaced with the pleasure of returning to the darkened cinema auditorium.
« It’s such a joy to be able to go to the cinema again, at last » confided Vanessa Paradis during her first appearance as Jury President.
Michael Douglas opened the ceremony from a distance with a vibrant tribute to his father who died a few months ago. He went back over his legendary career and the close ties that unite him to Deauville.
The Culture Minister, Roselyne Bachelot, showed her support for the festival by attending the opening ceremony of this 46th edition and by defending Cinema and French Excellence. « Cinema provokes debate. This is what makes it so precious for the construction of our identities and the cohesion of our society ».
A strong message for festival goers and film professionals present at the CID in Deauville.
Bruno Barde, the Festival Director, also spoke of the importance of maintaining the festival in the face of adversity. The festival inspires creativity and helps to heal the world. Cinema is not a cure but provides relief for the concerns and worries of the human soul.
The theme of the 2020 edition of the festival is Bridges and Walkways. Thierry Frémaux and Pierre Lescure thanked Deauville for welcoming the Cannes film selection. Thierry Frémaux remains positive. Cinema doors will open and we’ll return again and again.