05 · 29 · 14

Interview with Daniela Michel at the Cannes Film Festival 2014

Paula Amor, Coordinadora de Difusión (@Paulitamor)

At the conclusion of the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Daniela Michel, general director of FICM, was interviewed by Paula Amor, outreach coordinator of FICM. Daniela shared her experience as a member of the jury at the Critics’ Week and her perception of Cannes. She also made a preliminary announcement about the programming of the 12th FICM.

What was your experience as a jury member of the Critics’ Week of the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival like?
It was wonderful. The jury was headed by Andrea Arnold, a British filmmaker whom I admire very much, and the seven films were all very interesting, really wonderful. As a jury we were in agreement most of the time. It is a challenge to be able to review, analyze and view films in a different way. As a jury member, you must perform an exercise that is very different with respect to cinema. And concerning the context of the other programming at Cannes, which is fabulous, it was a very enriching experience. As director of the Morelia International Film Festival, it is important to see films by young directors who have made only about one or two films, and be aware of what young people are doing around the world.

This is the second time that you’ve been a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival. How do you feel about that?
Very good, very happy. Really I feel very honored. I think the greatest honor you can have as a jury member is to be at Cannes. I’ve been going to this festival for 18 years and I consider myself a great admirer. Over the years, it has helped me learn many things. I am very grateful to the Cannes Film Festival because since 1996 it has opened the door to a truly spectacular world.

And finally, in general, what was your opinion of this edition?
It was magnificent. I think it is very important that director Nuri Bilge Ceylan won the Palme d’Or for his work. It is a very strong, masterful, compelling film, and I’m very pleased to announce that it will be shown at the Morelia International Film Festival. We’ve been presenting the Palme d’Or at the festival for many years, and this year it will happen again. Thanks to our distributor friends at Mantarraya, who always bring us the best films around the world to show in Morelia.