FESTIVALS ARE CATERING TO LOCAL AUDIENCES: DIRECTOR OF CANNES FILM DEPARTMENT

With over two decades of experience in the film industry, Christian Jeune sheds light on his role and the intricate process of selecting films for the renowned Cannes festival.

- MURTAZA ALI KHAN

In the intricate tapestry of the Cannes Film Festival, Christian Jeune stands as a pivotal force, orchestrating the behind-the-scenes magic that culminates on the illustrious Croisette. As the Director of the Film Department, his role extends far beyond the glitz and glamour, encompassing the delicate art of film selection and the cultivation of emerging talents.

Every year, he embarks on a journey across Asia, notably in China, Japan, South Korea, and India, in search of the next big masterpiece to grace the Cannes screens.

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, Christian Jeune shares his insights on the evolving film festival landscape in India, the opportunities Cannes offers to emerging filmmakers, as he notes the increasing importance of festivals catering to local audiences, bringing diverse themes to the forefront instead of solely focusing on world premieres, and the long absence of Indian films in the Main Competition. With over two decades of experience in the film industry, Jeune sheds light on his role and the intricate process of selecting films for the renowned festival.

As a seasoned traveler to film festivals worldwide, Jeune acknowledges the growing momentum in India’s festival scene. Jeune finds India to be a fertile ground for filmmaking and encourages the industry to expand and attract foreign participants, including festival programmers, sales agents, and distributors. “It’s heartening to see festivals catering to the local audiences. I think it’s the right thing to bring the best themes to a local audience instead of only trying to have world premieres. It is a very sensible thing to do because otherwise, you can end up losing a lot,” Jeune reflects.