At an unusual and eye-opening event, several highly respected directors of our era joined forces for the 2018 Golden Globe Foreign Language Film Symposium at the iconic Egyptian Theatre. Among them were Fatih Akin, Sebastián Lelio, Angelina Jolie, Ruben Östlund, and Andrey Zvyagintsev, who shared their distinct viewpoints and stories with an intrigued crowd.
The yearly symposium provides a stage for directors with films up for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film to come together and share their experiences in navigating the complexities and joys of creating movies in diverse cultures and languages. The panel this year was lively, highlighting a variety of filmmaking techniques and stories from all around the world.
German filmmaker Fatih Akin recently showcased his latest movie, “In the Fade,” a powerful story that delves into the impact of a neo-Nazi terror assault. Akin delved into the personal and political influences that inspired him to create the film, highlighting his commitment to capturing genuine human emotions that resonated deeply with viewers.
Chilean director Sebastián Lelio also joined the conversation, shedding light on his acclaimed work, “A Fantastic Woman.” Lelio emphasized the importance of having transgender actress Daniela Vega in the lead role, noting how the film contributes to raising awareness and understanding of transgender issues on a global scale within the realm of cinema.
Angelina Jolie recently shared her experience in bringing her film “First They Killed My Father” to life. The movie, based on a true story about surviving the Khmer Rouge regime, required a careful balance of authenticity and sensitivity during the filming process in Cambodia with a local cast and dialogue in Khmer.
On the other hand, Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund took a satirical approach in his film “The Square,” challenging societal norms and the role of art in today’s world. Östlund’s witty critique of the art scene’s pretentiousness offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on modern society.
Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev, known for his work on the film “Loveless,” delved into the deeper meanings within his story about a couple going through a divorce while their son goes missing. Through his exploration of emotional distance in the characters, Zvyagintsev touches on broader themes such as love, pain, and apathy, creating a narrative that reflects on Russian society.
The symposium not only showcased the unique directorial styles in cinema but also sparked a discussion on how films have the ability to break through cultural barriers and spark contemplation. The exchange of ideas among directors, each representing different filmmaking backgrounds, highlighted the varied and vibrant nature of global cinema.
By the end of the evening, the impact of the symposium was evident. Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of creating foreign language films and a renewed passion for the power of film as a medium for sharing cultural narratives and societal commentary.
The gathering of esteemed filmmakers at the Egyptian Theatre once again demonstrated that film serves as a universal language, bringing together diverse perspectives to engage in a collective dialogue about the most compelling stories of humanity.
