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Stars step up their civic engagement at the American French Film Festival
In Hollywood this week, the American French Film Festival (TAFFF) kicked off its 28th edition, drawing an array of stars and industry executives. But it wasn’t just the films that grabbed attention; it was also the actors’ civic engagement.
Voting before the red carpet
Fresh from her ballot drop, Selena Gomez, known for her role in “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” led by example. Following closely, fellow “Emilia Perez” star Zoe Saldaña made sure her voice was heard at the polls as well. This show of responsibility happened just before the Netflix-hosted premiere of Jacques Audiard’s new musical film, marking the festival’s grand opening.
“Emilia Perez” wins hearts and accolades
“Emilia Perez,” a thrilling musical crime drama set in Mexico, generated buzz not just for its stunning performances but for its historic achievements. The ensemble cast, featuring Saldaña, Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofía Gascón, celebrated a significant win at the Cannes Film Festival. Gascón, playing a cartel leader who discovers her true self, became the first openly trans actor to secure a major award at Cannes.
Netflix, which acquired the film for the U.K. and U.S., is pulling out all the stops to promote it in various Oscar categories. Gascón’s bid for Best Actress could make her the first openly trans actress recognized by the Academy.
The political climate: A backdrop to Hollywood premieres
The U.S. election season is heating up, with contentious rhetoric from Donald Trump and his allies targeting trans communities and Latinos. This backdrop made the voting efforts of stars like Saldaña all the more significant.
“I voted today so I’m definitely exercising my responsibility as an American citizen,” said Saldaña, who is also campaigning for a Best Supporting Actress nomination for “Emilia Perez.” She emphasized her duty to her children and the future of the nation.
Saldaña, with Puerto Rican roots, also condemned racist remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a recent rally, stressing the need for leaders who truly represent human decency.
Gomez echoed these sentiments, advocating for voting as a transformative act, especially in critical election years. Her stance firmed up as she publicly disagreed with the racist remarks, standing in solidarity with her community.
Reflecting on leadership and hope
In light of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s historic election as Mexico’s first female president, Sofía Gascón expressed hope that people would make rational choices moving forward. The theme of thoughtful leadership resonated throughout the evening.
“We wouldn’t want to return to past global political climates,” Gascón noted, expressing her belief in the collective wisdom of society.
A night to remember: Netflix executives and cinema icons come together
TAFFF’s opening night showcased the significant contributions of Netflix** in promoting French cinema. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted the streaming giant’s decade-long investment in French films and their success at the Oscars, referencing wins for films like “Roma” and “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
Director Jacques Audiard, honored with the Franco-American Cultural Fund Award, shared insights into the film’s progressive message, particularly regarding representation. Audiard underscored cinema’s power to shape perspectives, further enhanced by “Emilia Perez.”
The Oscar campaign: A director’s journey
Audiard’s involvement in the intense Oscar campaign for “Emilia Perez” marked a departure from his typically press-shy persona. The Q&A session following the film’s screening featured not just Audiard but also stars Saldaña, Gomez, Paz, and Gascón, facilitating a rich discussion on the film’s themes and production.
Festival director François Truffart pointed out the strategic move of TAFFF to the fall and its role in awards season. He celebrated the festival’s return post-pandemic and strike disruptions, emphasizing the momentum generated by “Emilia Perez.”
Catalysts for change: Industry reflections
Truffart highlighted Netflix’s excitement around “Emilia Perez” as a unique artistic endeavor that stands out in today’s troubled independent cinema landscape. Similarly, Cécile Rap-Veber, president of the Franco-American Cultural Fund, emphasized this year’s focus on music, spotlighting scores by Camille Dalmais and Clément Ducol for “Emilia Perez,” among other notable projects.
Spotlight on French cinema
TAFFF 2024 promises to be a milestone edition, drawing luminaries like Michel Hazanavicius, directors Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, and scores of talent from films such as “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Bolero.”
In total, the festival will feature 60 films and series, including shorts and TV movies, making their mark after screenings at major international festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, and Venice.
The stage is set for another compelling chapter in French-American cinema, with award hopefuls and groundbreaking narratives ready to inspire audiences worldwide. Share this exciting journey and follow our coverage for the latest updates.
