Film Directors Panel: "Cinema as a Political Tool or Weapon" (NYC, Mar 2017)

Rendez-Vous With French Cinema

In response to the disillusionment and frustration currently felt worldwide, a selection of directors, including Emmanuelle Bercot, Bertrand Bonello, Mira Nair and Ira Sachs, discussed how films can address political turmoil or social unrest and operate as whistle-blowers.

Photography credit: YL

* Emmanuelle Bercot is a French actress, film director and screenwriter. She is known for Polisse, La Tete Haute (Standing Tall), 150 Miligrams, La fille de Brest and Mon Roi (My King).

* Bertrand Bonello is a French film director, screenwriter, producer and composer. His background is in classical music, and he lives between Paris and Montreal. His work has also been associated with the New French Extremity. Notable films: The Pornographer, Tiresia, House of Tolerance, Saint Laurent and Nocturama.

* Mira Nair is an Indian American filmmaker based in three continents. Her production company, Mirabai Films, specializes in films for international audiences on Indian society, whether in the economic, social or cultural spheres. Among her best known films are Mississippi Masala, The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay and Queen of Katwe.

* Ira Sachs is an American filmmaker. His films include The Delta , Forty Shades of Blue, Married Life, Love Is Strange and Little Men.

Photos: Yves Lefebvre