When I first met the French African filmmaker in Marrakech, she exuded a kindness and resolve beyond expected. Now, on our second chance encounter thanks to the BFI London Film Festival, I got to interview her briefly and discover her talent and wisdom.
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Julian Schnabel photographed by © Louise Kugelberg, courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia
Thoughts on Julian Schnabel in Venice
The American artist and filmmaker will world premiere his new film ‘In the Hand of Dante’ out of competition on the Lido, plus will receive Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker 2025 Award on the evening of September 3rd.
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Marco Calvani photographed by © Josh Telles
"We are all dreading to be Steve Carell in Season 2!": An interview with Marco Calvani of 'The Four Seasons'
A throwback to the 1981 film starring and directed by Alan Alda, Tina Fey’s series, now on Netflix, features a stellar cast — but none are as memorable as Italian actor, playwright and director Marco Calvani in the role of Claude.
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A still from ‘Promised Sky’ by Erige Sehiri, Copyright © 2025 MANEKI FILMS - HENIA PRODUCTION
Questioning sisterhood: Erige Sehiri talks Un Certain Regard opening film 'Promised Sky'
In her latest film, which kicked off this year’s Un Certain Regard section in Cannes, Tunisian-French helmer Erige Sehiri highlighted women’s friendships at the heart of a community under attack in Tunis. In the process, she created something so moving, touching and so perfectly beautiful, I urge you to watch it on the big screen, as soon as possible.
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Tamara Cortés and Matías Catalán in a still from ‘The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo
'The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo' and how Diego Céspedes created a Cannes winning masterpiece
Coining a new term, in what could be called a ‘Travesti-Western’, the Chilean filmmaker pays homage to the men, and women of his past. And in the process, manages a triumphant film about a child growing up in a loving trans community, one which won top prize in Un Certain Regard in Cannes.
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Frequent Cate Blanchett collaborator, make-up artist Morag Ross in Conversation at Ciné Lumière in London
As part of the wonderful series of talks organized by Joana Granero for Fashion & Cinema, the Glasgow-born make up artist will present a screening of Neil Jordan’s 1992 film ‘The Crying Game’ and will participate in a Q&A moderated by Prof. Maria Delgado.
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Walter Salles, image by Getty courtesy of the DFI, used with permission
What I learned from these world cinema Masters at Qumra 2025
From Walter Salles it was about the power of kindness, from Darius Khondji it turned out to be about our individual learning pace and from Anna Terrazas, a lesson in adaptability… Among others. Read on for all the important lessons I learned at this year’s annual DFI industry incubator.
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Francesca Comencini in Venice, flanked by actors Fabrizio Gifuni and Romana Maggiora Vergano
"A collection of memories": Francesca Comencini on her most personal film yet, 'The Time It Takes'
The Italian filmmaker spoke with me on the eve of her film kicking off the 15th anniversary edition of the Cinecittà: Cinema Made In Italy showcase in London.
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Filmmaker Brendan Canty at the Q&A following the world premiere of ‘Christy’, photo courtesy of © Berlinale
Brendan Canty talks Berlinale gem 'Christy', casting his ensemble and hints at upcoming epic... in development stages
In many ways, ‘Christy’ is the perfect film. And talking to the film’s director and co-writer provided many of the reasons why.
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David Lynch with Harry Dean Stanton in a still from ‘Lucky’ (2017) by John Carroll Lynch
David Lynch's children organize worldwide meditation to honor the legendary filmmaker on his birthday
Today, Monday January 20th, Lynch would have turned 79 and to honor him, his children and granddaughter have organized a global meditation meetup.
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RaMell Ross flanked by Ethan Herisse on the left and Brandon Wilson on the right, at NYFF in the fall
The 'Nickel Boys' men interviewed: RaMell Ross, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson
‘Nickel Boys’ is up for Best Picture-Drama at the Golden Globes this year, among many other accolades its director and stars have been collecting along the way. I caught up with the three men during the London Film Festival where I got to watch the film which I credit with having changed my very DNA.
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Photo courtesy of Focus Features. © 2024 All Rights Reserved
Golden Globes nominee Isabella Rossellini on the power of silence
Her turn as Sister Agnes in Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ could well see the Italian actress, and farmer, nabbing her first ever Golden Globe award, come January 5th. So I wanted to find out how she mastered her performance filled with quiet power.
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Ava DuVernay photographed by ©Hadnnan in Marrakech, courtesy of FIFM
The Cinema Queen: Talking movies with Ava DuVernay in Marrakech
American filmmaker Ava DuVernay was at the Marrakech International Film Festival this year to share her wisdom during a public Conversation, where she talked about making movies as a Black woman but also the ability to watch cinema and how that changes depending on your socio-economic background.
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Top Chef Middle East celebrity chef Bobby Chinn sets the record straight, once and for all
He talks to me about his origins, why and how he speaks Arabic and more. This is one interview you won’t want to miss!
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Denis Villeneuve, photo courtesy of the BFI London Film Festival
Silences and wisdom: Getting to know Denis Villeneuve during a BFI London Film Festival Screen Talk
As a filmmaker, he is known for his silences. But Villeneuve definitely didn’t give the packed audience inside the Royal Festival Hall on a Sunday morning the silent treatment!
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A still from 'La Máquina' courtesy of Hulu/Disney+
Hulu's 'La Máquina' reunites Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal, and not a moment too soon!
Friendship is at the core of this beautifully shot, perfectly written, wondrously acted series, which just began streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney+ around the world. And for those of us who missed watching this wonderful duo act together, it comes at the perfect time.
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June Squibb with Fred Hechinger in ‘Thelma’, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
Role of a lifetime: Six Q's with June Squibb on her golden age starring role in 'Thelma'
One hardly expects to reach stardom at any age, but to hit that landmark at 90 is a feat of wonder. And that wonder is the charming, beautiful, funny June Squibb.
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The Fantastic Mr. Xido: an interview with Jeremy Xido -- dancer, performance artist, filmmaker
It is a luxury to be able to follow someone’s career for years and I’ve had that privilege with Xido, whom I first met in 2013 in Dubai, where he was presenting his cult rockumentary ‘Death Metal Angola’.
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UK Premiere of Pharrell Williams doc 'Piece by Piece' to close the 68th BFI London Film Festival
The film, directed by Oscar-winning American documentarian Morgan Neville is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon, all told through the lens of LEGO® animation.
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'Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail' lands at the V&A, a free exhibition of some of her iconic looks
Whether you’re part of the millions of Swifties or not, undeniably this rock-pop star is a force to be reckoned with. And the V&A Museum in London pays homage to her star with a free exhibition kicking off this July.
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