Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 15 (UNI) Renowned French cinematographer Agnes Godard, who inaugurated the Open Forum of 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at Tagore Theatre, remarked that cinema is a universal language and through cinema she felt an instant connection to Kerala.
Known for her exceptional contributions to world cinema, 73-year-old Agnes Godard, who is also chairperson of the international jury, set the tone for an engaging discussion on cinema’s evolving role in society.
The Open Forum witnessed the participation of prominent personalities, Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI) Vice President T V Chandran, Chalachitra Academy Chairman Premkumar and Secretary C. Ajoy.
Nizam Asaf who moderated the session, provided a brief introduction about International Competition Jury Chairperson Agnes Godard and her naturalistic visual style.
In his remarks, T. V. Chandran emphasized the need for cinema to reflect societal realities, while Premkumar highlighted the role of film festivals in nurturing creative voices.
C. Ajoy underscored the significance of film societies in democratizing access to global cinema. He marked that Open forums are the lifeline as well as integral part of IFFK.
The Open Forum continues to be a vital platform at IFFK, fostering conversations that celebrate cinema’s transformative power.
At ‘In Conversation’ session, she captivated the audiences in a candid conversation that delighted film enthusiasts and critics alike on the second day of IFFK.
During the session, she discussed the evolution of filmmaking and the influence of the French New Wave on cinema.
“My experience in journalism and the family photographs taken by my father have had a lasting impact on me,” she said sharing insights into her journey.
Godard said her exposure to photography, especially through her father’s work, ignited her passion for visual storytelling. Reflecting on her father’s family portraits, which she rediscovered after his passing, she said, “I was amazed to see how long one can sit with images.”
Godard is best known for her collaborations with acclaimed filmmaker Claire Denis, with whom she worked on more than 15 films, including the celebrated ‘Beau Travail’.
“I have had a very long collaboration with Claire Denis. We’ve worked on so many projects together which is quite a lot,” she said with a laugh.
When asked about women’s representation in Indian cinema, Godard admitted she hadn’t watched enough Indian films to form an opinion. “However,” she noted, “the ones I have seen carefully portray women, with their characters embodying deeper layers.”
On modern filmmaking technologies, Godard took a measured stance. “All you need is to be careful when using the tools. Images are very important, and their significance in cinema should never be overlooked,” she said.
Encouraging young filmmakers, she highlighted the importance of curiosity in the creative process. “Curiosity drives creativity. By continually seeking new knowledge and experiences, young filmmakers can expand their artistic horizons and develop unique perspectives,” she advised.
Nandini Ramnath, celebrated film critic, moderated the conversation. Godard’s iconic film Beau Travail will be screened at New Theatre on December 17 at 6 pm.
