10 · 19 · 14

Presentation of Man of Cinema by Todd McCarthy

Pierre Rissient, Guest of Honor at the 12th FICM, presented the documentary film Man of Cinema (2007) by director and film critic Todd McCarthy, who also attended the screening.

Man of Cinema describes the key role Pierre Rissient has played in the development of today’s cinema. The documentary shows big names in the film industry, including producers, directors, distributors and critics who talk about the resources that this researcher has provided to exceptional talents. Rissient thinks that together with a deep understanding of film – a good eye, a fresh attitude and a lack of prejudice are required to recognize a masterpiece.

One of the essential tasks of this filmmaker, researcher, activist and defender of the most creative minds in film has been to maintain a fighting spirit to produce the conditions for the development of new projects. Actions, such as his participation in releasing films prohibited by political figures like Imelda Marcos in the Philippines or his defense of U.S., Asian and European submissions at the Cannes Film Festival and other festivals, have won him recognition in the industry. For his outstanding contribution to international cinema, Rissient received the Fellini Gold Medal from UNESCO. We are deeply grateful for Pierre Rissient’s contribution to the dissemination of exciting films of our time.

In the Q & A session of Man of Cinema (2007) at the 12^th FICM, Pierre Rissient said:

Pierre Rissient on the dissemination of films on the Internet:

“I am a man of the past, of another time. I don’t work that way. But if this medium helps people to discover films and keeps them interested, I’m happy with it. I’m unable to use the Internet to do those things. I still think it’s better to see an old film or a film on the big screen. I would never have appreciated it in the same way and with the same detail. For example, the film La otra (1946) by Roberto Gavaldón given its vibration, its presentation and the way the film was made would not fit on a small screen. When I met Fritz Lang, I was very young and he told me that he was a dinosaur. Now I feel like a dinosaur.”

Pierre Rissient on his interest in Mexican cinema:

“I would like it very much if you would help me expand my knowledge of Mexican cinema. I saw María Candelaria (1943) by Emilio “el Indio” Fernández when I was nine years old and I was deeply impressed by that woman who cried and cried – it was something that left its mark on me. Then, when I was 19 years old, a film called Los olvidados (1950) by Luis Buñuel was released. It had a great influence on me at that time. I would like to know more about Mexican film directors.”

Pierre Rissient on FICM:

I think there are many festivals, with many sections and world premieres, but to me the quality of the films being shown is more important to me. I’ve heard a lot about your festival and during these three days that I’ve been in Morelia, I can say that niche festivals like this are important because of the quality of the films that are shown. Of course, the Cannes Film Festival is still very important, but sometimes it can be confusing. To me the niche festivals don’t seek the world premiere, but offer films from the past and you can understand the people in their context.”

Man of Cinema will be screened once again with the presence of Pierre Rissient and Todd McCarthy on Tuesday, October 21, at the Cinépolis Morelia Centro, Sala 3, at 5 pm.

Coverage by Fabiola Aguilar Díaz (@panoramafunky)