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2011 Cannes Film Festival
10/05/2011
Almost a year ago to the day, Haroun Mahamat-Saleh walked up the steps into the Cannes Festival Palais. In 2010 he was the only African director with a film in the competition. Having seen it, it’s no surprise that Un homme qui crie (A Screaming Man) caught the attention of the selection committee. The tale is a struggle between father and son - in the saturated Chad light, the confrontation takes on an almost mythological dimension. The bitterness and simmering rage underlying Haroun Mahamat-Saleh’s sumptuous shots touched the jury, and they awarded him the Jury Prize, one of the most prestigious awards of the festival.
As A Screaming Man is released on DVD, Haroun Mahamat-Saleh has another chance to defend his vision of cinema: he will be on the jury of the 64th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Mondomix caught up with him:
How did it feel to be at Cannes last year, competing with film-makers from all over the world?
That kind of thing makes you feel like you are part of the history of cinema, part of humanity’s memory. I had always dreamed of getting to that point. The prize I received encouraged me to stay on course, to continue my work with the same level of discipline, or to demand even more of it, without losing my sense of calm.
You are about to cross over to the other side, as you’ll be on the jury headed up by Robert De Niro. How did they go about inviting you to take part?
Thierry Frémeaux left me a message, asking me to call back urgently. I called him back - I was out in the middle of the countryside in Chad, scouting locations. He asked me if I would like to be on the jury: I was totally delighted. I said yes straight away. You’d have to be crazy to pass up spending 10 days with Robert De Niro!
Do you think it’s more nerve-wracking to be judging other people’s work or to have your own work judged?
It’s true it is nerve-wracking, but it’s different. The stakes are different for me than last year. Now, it’s just a question of making a choice and standing by it.
What are your criteria for judging films?
I am a good film watcher. I love films which take me by the hand on a long journey which will amaze me, move me and change me...
There aren’t any African films in the official competition this year...
This absence perhaps reflects the reality of our cinema. Few films are produced. It’s hand to mouth. It’s a shame. Africa needs international platforms and Cannes is the dream place for that.
Have you started working on a new project?
Yes right now I’m working on a film we plan to shoot in Senegal and France this autumn. It’s called African Fiasco...
Cannes Film Festival, 11-22 May 2011
François Mauger
10/05/2011
CINEMA HAROUN MAHAMET-SALEH CHAD CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
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