Isabelle Huppert Graces 25th French Film Fest

Isabelle Huppert at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

French Actress Isabelle Huppert, graced the opening of the 25th edition of the French Film Festival at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Makati City last October 21, 2022.

Considered as one of the best actresses in the world, she is also one of the most awarded having twice won both the Cesar Award and Volpi Cup, along with a BAFTA, Golden Globe,  five Lumières Awards and three Cannes Film Festival honors. Earning her the title “The Queen of Cannes.”

Her most recent trophy came February 15, 2022 where she was given the  Honorary Golden Bear Lifetime Achievement Award at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival.

2nd from right: Amb Michéle Boccoz, from left: FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III, Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon, Isabelle Huppert and French Cultural & Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Huppert was welcomed by Amb. Michéle Boccoz, FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) CEO and Chairman Tirso Cruz III and Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon. Filipino audiences have seen Huppert in Brillante Mendoza’s CAPTIVE (2012). Where she plays Thérèse Bourgoine who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group, based on actual events.

From right: Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon, FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III, Isabelle Huppert and French Cultural Counselor Marc Piton. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

The following day she attended a Q&A session after the screening of ABOUT JOAN. Huppert currently has 3 films that can be seen in the fest including: THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE.

Captive castmates from left: Assistant Director Rolando Inocencio, Kathy Mulville and Isabelle Huppert at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022

The French Film festival will run from October 21-30, 2022 at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Makati City. The fest has 15 of the best  French titles including FRANCE with Lea Seydoux of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE fame, LOST ILLUSIONS, NOTRE DAME ON FIRE and many more.

Amb. Michéle Boccoz

Amb. Boccoz highly recommends NOTRE DAME ON FIRE about the disastrous fire that consumed one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world in 2019. She also talked about LOST ILLUSIONS  director Xavier Gianolli who was recently here in the Philippines. “He was shooting a portion of  a film and was so happy with the professionalism of the production crew and the actors.”

From left: Amb Michéle Boccoz and Isabelle Huppert; Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Referring to the anniversary of the fest, “The 25th edition of the French Film fest is an indication of the close ties between the cultures of our two countries. Together this year is the 75th celebration of French Filipino ties. We’re looking at the next 75 years and how we can develop our friendship.”

Talking about their special guest, Boccoz said, “We are really proud Isabelle Huppert is here. She is  one of the most remarkable actresses in the world. She has a strong connection with the Philippines and we are so honored to have her.”

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French-Filipino Co Productions

Amb. Boccoz also announced  that France and the Philippines are finalizing a co-production agreement, “This is also going to be part of the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity. Beyond this commitment, we are very close culturally and artistically. Meanwhile we also aim to develop friendship between the filmmakers of our two countries. Last month a TV series TIKKOUN was shot in Manila by Xavier Gianolli. Sigrid Bernardo shot the film WALANG KA-PARIS, in France last year. Produced by Piolo Pascual, whom I thank also for his support. I would also like to congratulate director Erik Matti who is working on an adaptation of one of France’s popular TV series CALL MY AGENT. I look forward to watching the local version with Filipino stars.”

Center: Amb Michéle Boccoz, from left: FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III and Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Boccoz at the end of her speech gave credit to French Cultural and Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, “I would particularly like to give a word to Martin Macalintal. Who has been the soul and the spirit of this festival all these years.”

From left: Amb Michéle Boccoz and French Cultural & Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (12)

Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon

Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon made note of the difficulties of the movie industry during the pandemic. According to her, the French Film fest was a great way to help the cinema recover.

From left: Amb Michéle Boccoz, Isabelle Huppert, FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III and Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

She also mentioned with pride, “We will be featuring ON THE JOB: MISSING 8, the Philippines’ official entry to this year’s 95th Academy awards. And directed by the multi awarded director Erik Matti. This is truly a testament that this festival is a celebration of both our countries’ love for cinema. Congratulations to everyone behind the festival. And looking forward to many, many more years of this beautiful partnership.”

ON THE JOB: MISSING 8, as part of the festival will be screened on October 28, 2022 at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Makati City.

Isabelle Huppert at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Isabelle Huppert

At the opening Huppert made note of the importance of the fest especially after the isolation of lockdowns. She declared the fest officially open during the special evening.

The following morning at My Cinema in Greenbelt 3, she generously answered questions of the press. Moderated by Sarge Lacuesta, Editor at Large of Esquire Magazine, the Q&A session lasted almost 2 hours and Huppert gamely answered questions.

From left: Esquire Editor at Large and Isabelle Huppert at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022.

When asked about challenging role or character that’s difficult to love, Huppert said, “Most of the time before choosing characters I choose to work with great directors. That’s my main motivation for making films, then comes the character.  I often hear that they are not easy characters. Or easy to like. Most of the time it’s the situations that are not easy to like. That’s how I view it. There are social, personal or political situations. And in order to survive these situations the only way is to not be so nice.”

Directors for her have become a major factor in taking a role, “Working with certain directors. I never have a certain dream about a character. In a way you could do anything you want with a character. It just has to be in the general context you want to be a part of. Most people have these categories of drama and comedies. It’s not my way of thinking. Even in drama you have a little bit of comedy.  You have drama in comedies. So it’s just acting.”

Isabelle Huppert during the media Q&A at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022.

Godard Experience

Huppert was asked about her experience acting for one of France’s most iconic directors Jean Luc Godard. She had two films with him: EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF (1980) and PASSION (1987). Godard recently passed away, September 13, 2022 at the age of 91 and is called the father of the French New Wave Cinema.

Isabelle Huppert at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

She said, “He was a major film maker and he really changed the form of cinema. These are the kinds of artists that change our view of film making. Working with Jean Luc Goddard, it didn’t change anything. He didn’t change the world of acting he had his own vision of cinema. He was very interested in actors, in faces.  He was inspired by faces.”

Isabelle Huppert during the media Q&A at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022.

Scott Garceau of Phil Star, asked ‘Godard said he could see you thinking when you were acting. Could you explain?’ Huppert responded, “Yes, he said that but not just about me (laughs). Cinema is a faithful media in a way. It shows the most inner part of yourself. Not only the surface, that’s what thinking is about.”

Captive castmates from left: Assistant Director Rolando Inocencio, Kathy Mulville and Isabelle Huppert at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022

CAPTIVE

Huppert was also asked about some of her experiences on set of the master piece by Brilliante Mendoza CAPTIVE, “There was this wonderful Philippine actress who passed away, Rustica Carpio. We had a lot of interesting conversations. We were talking a lot about literature. The many European writers she had portrayed on screen.”

Two of her cast mates attended the Q&A session: Assistant Director Rolando Inocencio and Kathy Mulville. Although the film was shot 10 years ago Huppert, was happy to see them again. Mulville recalled that it was an intense 3 week experience for the whole cast and crew shot mostly in jungles to simulate the yearlong kidnapping incident.

Mulville said, “She was never a diva, far from it. She’d always spend down time with cast and crew. When we got together to drink beer after a hard day of shooting. She even let me in her dressing room to do some work”. Referring to using her laptop in Huppert’s airconditioned room.

Captive castmates from left: Assistant Director Rolando Inocencio, Kathy Mulville and Isabelle Huppert at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022

Actor Rolando Inocencio at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (25)

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FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From right: Rolando Inocencio, Jun Neyva, FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III and Susan Fernandez. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (30)

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From right: Amb Michéle Boccoz and Isabelle Huppert; Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From left: Mell T. Navarro, PDI Entertainment writer Marinel Cruz and friend. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From left: Amb Michéle Boccoz, Isabelle Huppert and Ayala Malls CinemaHead Charmaine Bauzon. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (38)

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Isabelle Huppert during the media Q&A at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022.

Isabelle Huppert during the media Q&A at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022. (41)

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From left: Amb Michéle Boccoz, Isabelle Huppert, FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III, Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon and FDCP Chairman’s Chief of Staff David Fabros. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (44)

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From left: filmmakers Chuck Gutierrez, Babyruth Villarama, FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III, Ayala Malls Cinema Head Charmaine Bauzon and FDCP Chairman’s Chief of Staff David Fabros. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From right: Amb Michéle Boccoz and Isabelle Huppert; Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (49)

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Isabelle Huppert during the media Q&A at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022.

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Captive castmates from left: Assistant Director Rolando Inocencio, Kathy Mulville, Isabelle Huppert and Ingrid Vega at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022

From left: Babyruth Villarama and FDCP CEO & Chairman Tirso Cruz III. Photo taken at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City – during the opening of 25th French Film Festival October 21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (56)

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From right: Amb Michéle Boccoz and Isabelle Huppert at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022

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Isabelle Huppert during the media Q&A at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30, 2022.

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Captive castmates from left: Assistant Director Rolando Inocencio, Kathy Mulville, Isabelle Huppert and Ingrid Vega at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, October 22, 2022. Watch 3 of her films: ABOUT JOAN, THE PROMISES and CAPTIVE in the 25th Edition of the French Film Festival, October 21-30

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