Lumière Film Festival Shines with Stellar Lineup and Heartfelt Tributes
A dazzling start in Lyon
The 16th edition of the Lumière Film Festival launched with unmatched glamour in Lyon, showcasing an array of stars and revered directors. Notable attendees included Benicio del Toro, Tim Burton, Monica Bellucci, and Vanessa Paradis, alongside acclaimed directors such as Costa-Gavras and Giuseppe Tornatore.
Monica Bellucci’s enchanting moment
Monica Bellucci, presenting her latest documentary on Maria Callas, was among the last to grace the red carpet. Her memorable entrance delighted the 5,000-strong crowd as she playfully gestured towards the curtain and drew out Tim Burton, sparking overwhelming applause.
Burton’s unannounced appearance recalled his romantic connection with Bellucci, forged at the very festival in 2022 when he received the Lumière Award. Bellucci now features in Burton’s eagerly awaited sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”.
Tributes to cinematic legends
Ahead of the star-studded arrivals, the festival paid homage to the beloved French actor Michel Blanc, who passed away in early October. His iconic 1979 comedy “Les Bronzés Font du Ski” brought many to tears, celebrating his legacy with a heartfelt karaoke session of the film’s theme song in Lyon’s massive Tony Garnier concert hall.
Performing a poignant tribute to French New Wave icon Alain Delon, who died in August, the festival continued showcasing its deep respect for cinema’s history.
The festival’s cinematic journey
Thierry Frémaux, the festival director, carried on the tradition of screening restored films from the Lumière Brothers, marking Lyon’s rich cinematic heritage. Frémaux delighted the crowd with commentary, particularly acknowledging Del Toro’s passion for film.
The celebrated actor Benicio del Toro will offer a masterclass and present a selection of films, drawing avid cinephiles eager to witness timeless classics alongside the actor’s enthusiastic manifests.
Justine Triet’s favorite picks
French Academy Award-winning filmmaker Justine Triet will inaugurate a new festival event, sharing her favorite films with audiences, enriching the festival’s diverse offerings.
Restored classics and cult favorites
Several newly restored films will be presented:
- Jacques Audiard’s “Read My Lips”
- Nicolas Winding Refn’s 1996 cult classic “Pusher”
Quebecois wonder boy Xavier Dolan returns to Lumière with a masterclass and a special 10th anniversary screening of his Cannes hit “Mommy” at Lyon’s 2,000-seat Auditorium.
Exclusive premieres from Cannes
Frémaux, also head of the Cannes Film Festival, will treat audiences to new releases, such as:
- Coralie Forgeat’s “The Substance”
- Michel Hazanavicius’ animated work “The Most Precious of Cargoes”
- Claude Lelouch’s “Finalement”
Honoring Costa-Gavras
Special guest Costa-Gavras received an honorary Lumière Prize, to a standing ovation, presented by Tim Burton. The occasion marks a pinnacle moment in the festival, illustrating the enduring influence of exceptional filmmakers.
Celebrating underground cinema
This year’s all-night screening will honor Franco-Chilean artist and director Alejandro Jodorowsky, known for works like “El Topo”, “The Holy Mountain”, and “Santa Sangre”. He will also offer a masterclass, enhancing the festival’s allure for enthusiasts of avant-garde cinema.
Discovering cinematic retrospectives
Festival-goers will delve into retrospectives, exploring films from prominent but lesser-known filmmakers like Mexico’s Matilde Landeta, as part of the Permanent History of Women Filmmakers section.
This year’s retrospectives will celebrate Hollywood legend Fred Zinnemann with classics such as:
Another special retrospective will honor iconic Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, renowned as Akira Kurosawa’s leading man.
A vibrant week in Lyon
The festival showcases 158 films with around 450 screenings throughout Lyon during the nine-day event. Lyon’s sprawling Tony Garnier Hall will buzz mid-week for a family screening of the 1976 classic “The Twelve Tasks of Asterix” and a horror all-nighter hosted by French horror maestro Alexandre Aja, known for “Mother Land” and “Oxygen”.
Isabelle Huppert honored
This year’s Lumière award recipient is Isabelle Huppert, hailed as the world’s best actress who will accept the prize on October 18. Previous laureates include celebrated filmmakers like Wim Wenders, Tim Burton, Martin Scorsese, and many more.
Join the conversation
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Enjoy the beauty of cinema with the best that Lumière has to offer, and witness the magic of film come alive in Lyon!