Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Fremaux recently had a fascinating conversation at the Goteborg Film Festival with Ruben Ostlund, a two-time Palme d’Or winner. During the discussion, Fremaux expressed his unwavering faith in the power of the big screen and why filmmakers should not compromise on the theatrical experience. Let’s delve deeper into the highlights of their conversation.
The Winning Theatrical Strategy of Streamers
Fremaux mentioned the successful theatrical strategy employed by streaming platforms such as Apple. He specifically referred to the release of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which premiered in competition and was subsequently released in theaters through Paramount. The film has received 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Actress and Best Picture. According to Fremaux, this approach is a perfect reflection of the current times, where films make money at the box office before being available on streaming platforms.
The Cannes “Netflix Rule”
While Fremaux made efforts to bring Netflix back to the Cannes Film Festival every year, he expressed no regrets about the festival’s “Netflix rule.” This rule dictates that each competing film must be theatrically released in France. The rule was implemented following a scandal in 2017 when Cannes selected two Netflix movies for competition, creating tension with local exhibitors and the French film industry. Fremaux explained that the goal was to initiate a dialogue with streaming platforms, resulting in the proposal that every competing film must be released in French theaters. Netflix declined to participate under these conditions and opted for the Venice Film Festival instead.
The Importance of David Fincher
Fremaux expressed his desire to see Netflix boss Ted Sarandos showcase movies at the Cannes Film Festival. While recognizing the quality of films on Netflix, Fremaux emphasized the significance of filmmakers like David Fincher participating in film festivals. He stated that Fincher, although a great filmmaker, does not hold the same level of impact when his films are exclusively released on streaming platforms. Fremaux underscored the importance of the echo created by a film festival and the first-hand experience of audience reactions.
The Audience’s Role in Film Creation
Ruben Ostlund, who won the Palme d’Or twice at Cannes, shared his perspective on creating films with the audience in mind. He highlighted the importance of premiering films at Cannes, where the red carpet and the buzz generated by the festival contribute to the overall experience. Ostlund humorously mentioned a scene in his film “The Square” involving a performance artist and a tuxedo-clad audience, expressing his enjoyment in seeing this situation play out in a competition premiering at the Lumiere auditorium.
Exciting Future Projects
Ostlund teased his upcoming project, revealing his “goal” to create the biggest walkout in Cannes history. Although details about the project were not disclosed, this statement unveils Ostlund’s ambition to challenge and captivate audiences in a bold and unconventional manner.
Thierry Fremaux and Ruben Ostlund’s conversation at the Goteborg Film Festival shed light on the significance of the theatrical experience and the role of film festivals in the industry. As the Cannes chief endeavors to entice streaming platforms like Netflix back to the festival, he recognizes the unique impact and value that festivals bring to filmmakers and audiences alike.
Source: Variety