Iris Knobloch, the first president of the Cannes Film Festival. “Whatever they do, leaders are more attentive than leaders”

In his youth, he followed the news of the Cannes Film Festival from afar in Munich, dreaming of attending it one day. In 1998, he climbed the stairs for the first time. Throughout his career at Warner, he would become one of its regulars, accompanying Clint Eastwood on the 25th anniversary.Merciless, cruelFor Charlize Theron Mad Max: Fury Road: or for Jean Dujardin The artist. But every day from May 16 to 27, it will be held alongside chief delegate Thierry Fremaux to welcome the teams of films selected for 76.^e edition from 1^eh July 2022 Iris Knobloch is the new president of this inexplicable movie event.

This trained lawyer is a solid choice to succeed Pierre Lescourt. A lover of the big screen, she is also an accomplished business woman. he spent ten years at Warner in Los Angeles and London before taking the helm of the studio’s French subsidiary in 2006, then Warner Media France, Benelux, Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 2020. A CV that makes people jealous… It was at the time of his appointment at Cannes that his German nationality and his more business than fiction profile cut some teeth. the ransom of success and perhaps a touch of latent misogyny towards women in power and authority.

60-year-old Iris Knobloch is indeed the first woman to be elected to this prestigious and strategic post. His credentials have yet to be fulfilled on the eve of his first spin on the Croisette, but his international career, industry knowledge, Hollywood connections and address book are huge assets to his missions; represent moral and legal. the reputation of the festival, ensure good relations with partners and implement the strategy developed with Thierry Frémaux. “To be president is to be a guardian of the temple,” he says. The formula is equivalent. her communicative laugh and warmth speak to her sense of connection, but her determined gaze also says she won’t let things slide.

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“I hope to find the right tone, to be in the right place”

Madame Figaro . – What is your state of mind before your first festival?
Iris Knobloch. – I have been to the festival for twenty-five years now, and my sense of joy is still the same. It is obvious that my role and my days will take a completely different shape this year. I try to prepare as well as possible, because Cannes is a marathon, during which the unexpected can happen. But I’m lucky to be very well supported by Thierry Frémaux and the entire Festival team. Honestly, being a woman raises the stakes. hopefully i’ll find the right tone, i’ll be in the right place. Because no matter what they do, say or wear, female leaders are scrutinized more than male leaders. We would never comment on, for example, a man’s tuxedo…

What is the symbol of being a woman in this place?
This is the victory of women. “When a woman takes the light, it’s a small step for a man, but a giant step for all mankind.” I am aware of what my designation means, and I find it symbolically important that French allows for the feminization of the function to say “president.” Women still too often have their legitimacy questioned and their ambitions censored. But no dream is out of reach, anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

“The old debate, consisting of opposing platforms and rooms, is no longer relevant”

Do you have strategic axes in mind?
The festival has always been a symbol of excellence, and it is important to maintain that distinction, as well as promote cinema and its creators worldwide. That is the DNA of Cannes. Then, it’s also important to look towards the cinema of tomorrow, highlighting emerging talent and working with new players in the industry. Yesterday’s debate about streaming platforms is no longer today’s. They have always been welcomed at the Cannes Film Festival, and even more so. The Flower Moon Assassins by Martin Scorsese, produced by Apple, will be presented out of competition this year. Our rule, however, remains that the competition cannot accept any film that will not be shown in French cinemas. But the old debate, which consists of opposing platforms and rooms, saying that one will replace the other, is no longer relevant. Apple and Amazon, for example, have recently announced major investments in theatrical releases. I also firmly believe that nothing can replace the impact of a trip to the cinema. Only these films have the ability to move lines, impose themselves on the agenda, conversations or agenda of any country, even the world.

Women’s ambition and success are not always well received. How do you deal with prejudice?
I enjoy being judged on my skills and merits, but I can’t stand being associated with stereotypes. It is very sad that women still have to prove their worth. There are still battles to be fought, but I hope for the younger generation. I try to ignore the prejudices in order to focus on the challenges that have to be faced. If the results are there, they will speak for themselves and change the look.

I enjoy being judged on my skills and merits, but I can’t stand being associated with stereotypes

Iris Knobloch

You grew up thinking you could achieve anything.
My parents have always supported me. They didn’t really have the opportunity to get a higher education and wanted to give me what they lacked, with the idea that working allows you to gain a form of freedom. Their love and trust did the rest. Throughout my career, I have also had the opportunity to meet people who have encouraged me.

“I quickly realized that art enables repair”

How did the taste for cinema develop?
The movie click that made me want to make cinema the core of my profession, no doubt. the drum By Volker Schlöndorff… From a young age I went to the cinema several times a week with my family. My parents are Holocaust survivors, and for them it was an escape and a way to make up for the moments of youth that were stolen from them. I quickly realized that art provides an opportunity for repair, for sending messages, for free speech, for fulfilling the duty of memory.

Which filmmakers have you worked with?
In my youth, I mostly watched German and French films. I remember Maria Brown’s Marriage by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, things in life By Claude Saute, orman and woman By Claude Lelouch. Later, I was marked by Stanley Kubrick’s or Christopher Nolan’s cinema. I admire these unifying filmmakers who appeal to both the general public and moviegoers. I also want to mention Jane Campion, a key female character who broke so many glass ceilings; she was the first female director in history to win the Palme d’Or in 1993. Piano lessonwon an Oscar for Best Director The power of the dogand staged women’s destinies with a view freed from precepts.

Who will you be happy to welcome to the top of the stairs this year?
I am happy to be reunited with former professional travelers, including artists like Leonardo DiCaprio, whom I accompanied during the election. the great gatsby By Baz Luhrmann. But I’m just as happy to accept great filmmakers or emerging talents like Ramata-Tulaye Si, selected in competition with her first feature film, Banel and Adama. He will live an intense moment, as only the Cannes Film Festival can provide. On a more personal level, I am beyond excited to welcome my mother, who promised to come. Thinking about it makes me nervous. It was he who passed on my love for movies to me, along with my father. it is a way to close the loop.

How to prepare for possible controversies that may arise from the choice?
The films presented at the Cannes Film Festival reflect the world, controversy is inevitable and sometimes healthy, and I trust the team. Moreover, I think it is important to always keep in mind the basics of the festival: cinema, films, independence of choice, protection of creative freedom. Taking the easy way out is not a good option.

The films presented at the Cannes Film Festival are a reflection of the world, contradictions are inevitable, sometimes healthy.

Iris Knobloch

How can the Cannes Film Festival promote women in the industry?
This year, a record seven films directed by women were selected for competition. The selection is in some ways a snapshot of the state of world cinema. To achieve equality, it will be necessary to give even more visibility and opportunities to women and young female talents in all fields: producing, writing, technical, administration, directing… During the event, thanks to our partners, we also support initiatives such as Chopard’s award, which honors a young actress (and young actor), the L’Oréal Lights on Women Award, given to a short film director, and the Women on the Move award. , the Kering program, awards for a debut filmmaker.

You are a citizen of the world. Where do you feel at home?
I have a test to examine this question. when i watch the olympics i think who am i for? And France is always my preference. This country is magnificent to me with its talents, its landscapes, its love for culture… Unless life forces me to do so, I have no desire to leave. I feel French and European at heart.

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