Abdellatif Kechiche did not arrive in Locarno despite the premiere of “Mektoub, My Love: Canto due”, the third episode of his controversial trilogy, which would have been for health reasons and a recent stroke.
Kechiche, who won the golden palm of the Cannes Film Festival or for “Blue is the Warmorst Color”, was shot by the criticisms of his latest films, in particular “Mektoub, My Love: Intermezzo”, and prey to allegations. They did not lead to convictions.
During a question and answer session open to the public, the actors Shain Boumedine, Andre Jacobs, Salim Kechiche, Ophélie Bau, Jessica Pennington and the producer Riccardo Marchegiani discussed the film – as well as the accusation raised by a member of the public, who asked if the actresses “experienced something on a staging” while making the film.
“We all know [about] allegations of sexual abuse. How do you feel now, promoting your art and film? How do you feel promoting this controversial person and film?
“This is a question I don’t want to answer and that’s how I want to keep it. I’m not here to talk about my experience on the set. I’m here for a film,” said Bau, while Pennington added: “I was shocked by the allegation. I had no problem with him. I can’t talk about anyone else, but I spent a fantastic time working with Abdel.”
The festival has decided not to hold a press conference. Variety contacted the organizers to comment.
According to Boumedine, Kechiche “did not talk much about him” but allowed his actors to talk about the characters. “This is where his strength is found – he lets us explore and finally brings us to his goal, that he does not reveal to us so easily.”
Andre Jacobs noted: “I am very lucky, because I worked with him twice – also on” Black Venus “, which was much more scripted and controlled. Abdel makes room – so that you find things as an actor. ”
“It is very difficult, which is a good thing. Sometimes it is not a good thing – sometimes it is difficult, but you are fighting and you beat, but it gets rid of artifice. If you have been in the business long enough, you learn things as an actor, all these little shortcuts and Abdel do not accept that. Its process consists in finding the truth.”
Salim Kechiouche said: “We are talking about controversy, but we are not talking about collective work. This is what makes cinema. We are all here today to talk about the film and share this moment. I was really very moved at the end of the film, seeing the work of my partners and I really want to applaud them and thank them tonight.”
The cast did not comment on the health of Kechiche.
In the interview with Variety Before the festival, the artistic director of Locarno, Giona A. Nazzaro, said that he was “particularly happy” that the festival “managed to convince Kechiche and his producers to come to Locarno”.
According to Nazzaro, Kechiche accepted the invitation “because he felt respected”. He added: “We just ask [the audience] Watch the movies for what they are. »»
