The 64th Cannes Critics’ Week Spotlights Emerging Filmmakers

The highly anticipated 64th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week has revealed a diverse lineup primarily featuring films from French and Belgian directors. This year’s event will commence with the thought-provoking social drama, Adam’s Interest, directed by Laura Wandel.

Highlights from the Lineup

Adam’s Interest serves as a follow-up to Wandel’s acclaimed film, Playground, which earned the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes in 2021. Set in a pediatric hospital unit, the film explores the emotional struggles of a mother, her son, and their dedicated nurse. The film boasts performances from prominent French actors Léa Drucker and Anamaria Vartolomei.

Curatorial Excellence

Under the vision of artistic director Ava Cahen and her selection committee, the Critics’ Week will feature 11 films, with six being female-directed. This year’s selection process saw an impressive 1,000 submissions from 102 countries, with a focus on debut and second films, aligning with the broader Cannes Film Festival.

Noteworthy Films

• Left-Handed Girl: A first feature by Taiwanese filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou, co-written with noted producer Sean Baker. Described by Cahen as a “fast-paced urban melodrama,” the film tells the story of a single mother in Taipei navigating life with her two daughters.
• A Useful Ghost: This comedy-drama marks the debut of Thai director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke. The film presents a unique narrative where ghosts reincarnate as appliances to make their presence known to the living.
• Sleepless City: Directed by Guillermo Galoe, this buddy film chronicles the heartfelt goodbye between two friends facing impending separation as one relocates.

Special Screenings

Promoting cutting-edge French cinema, special screenings include:

• Love Letters: Directed by Alice Douard, this drama-comedy revolves around a married lesbian couple expecting their first child, leading to a series of humorous and tender escapades.
• Baise en ville: An unconventional comedy directed by Martin Jauvat, where a young man’s pursuit of a driving license unravels into an offbeat adventure with an unusual temp agency.

An Insightful Documentary

The lineup also features Imago, an autobiographical documentary by Chechen director Déni Oumar Pitsaev. This film captures the director’s quest to build a futuristic home near the Chechen border, sparking familial debates and the exploration of community traumas.

Closing and Jury Details

Critics’ Week will conclude with Dandelion’s Odyssey, an anticipated animated feature directed by Japanese filmmaker Momoko Seto. The event will be presided over by a jury led by acclaimed director Rodrigo Sorogoyen and includes notable figures such as Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya.

Complete Lineup Overview

Competition Films:

• Ciudad Sin Sueño, Guillermo Galoe
• Imago, Déni Oumar Pitsaev
• Kika, Alexe Poukine
• Left-Handed Girl, Shih-Ching Tsou
• Nino, Pauline Loquès
• Pee Chai Dai Ka, Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke
• Rietland, Sven Bresser

Special Screenings:

• Adam’s Interest, Laura Wandel (Opening Film)
• Baise en ville, Martin Jauvat
• Love Letters, Alice Douard
• Planètes, Momoko Seto (Closing Film)