Insights On Visions du Réel Festival With Émilie Bujès

Dany: The 55th edition of the Visions du Réel festival is underway, marking your seventh year as its head. How have you seen documentary cinema evolve, and what is its significance in society today?

Émilie Bujès: We're freer in documentary filmmaking now compared to a few years ago. There was a time when audiences were confused by anything that didn’t seem like a direct capture of reality. Filmmakers always have to reconstruct some elements, which shows that documentaries are constructed realities, akin to cinema. Today, 'cinema du réel' is about showing something, perhaps even in a fictional way, and this is increasingly accepted. For example, our program includes innovative films like one shot entirely in GTA (“Grand Theft Hamlet”), another depicting a family's escape using robots and manga elements (“Mawtini”). The genre is joyfully cinematic, and documentaries are gaining recognition internationally, as seen in major festival wins.

Dany: Could you highlight some films for the BØWIE’s audience from this year's festival and share your personal sentiments about them?

Émilie Bujès: So there’s "Reas" by Lola Arias that features former prisoners, both cis and trans women, reenacting their pasts through musical theatre, representing a playful reclaiming of difficult stories. "(Revolution, Fulfil Your Promise) Red Love" by Dora García intertwines feminist struggles with the historical figure Alexandra Kollontaï. "The Analog Tracks" by Florent Meng explores ecofeminism, inspired by the writings of Le Guin. "The Living Wardrobe" by Martí Madaula Esquirol narrates a love story with a quirky twist on clothing becoming a significant part of life. I find a synesthetic joy in the variety of films, each evoking different textures and emotions.

Dany: How many films are featured in this edition, and are there any series included?

Émilie Bujès: There are 165 films, with 128 being new and the rest from our special guests Jia Zhang-Ke, John Wilson and Alice Diop on top of other special screenings. Wilson’s series for example, humorous and insightful, reflects the documentary’s evolving nature. Overall, we showcase works that offer a broad perspective on documentary filmmaking.

Dany: Has there been a shift in the festival's audience?

Émilie Bujès: Yes, we've successfully attracted a younger audience since 2017, transforming the festival's image to dispel the notion of documentaries as dull. Enhanced communication, particularly through social media and video content, along with a festive atmosphere, has played a crucial role.

Dany: How does the festival's programming cater to engaged, socially conscious audiences?

Émilie Bujès: The festival offers a diverse range of films, including those on LGBTQIA+ issues, to appeal to various audiences. We strive to make the event attractive and relevant by ensuring there's something for everyone, including parties in addition to the screenings.Visions du Réel is not only about LGBTQ and feminist topics; it's about presenting these themes within a cinematic context to a general audience, making impactful revelations accessible to all.

Dany: To conclude, how would you describe the 55th edition of the festival?

Émilie Bujès: Wonderful, bright, and magnificent.