Kristen Stewart’s Bold Return to Cannes
In 2018 at the Cannes Film Festival, Kristen Stewart joined Ava DuVernay, Agnes Varda, Jane Fonda, and over 80 other women in a protest on the steps of the Palais to draw attention to the lack of female directors programmed in the line-up. That year, only three out of the 21 competition films were directed by women, highlighting a glaring disparity in the industry.
Overcoming Challenges
Seven years later, Stewart returns to the festival with her directorial debut The Chronology of Water, but the journey was far from easy. “We had to leave the United States to make this possible,” Stewart admitted regarding the challenges faced in securing financing for the film. This statement encapsulates the hurdles many women directors encounter in Hollywood.
A Platform for Change
Stewart was present for a conversation on May 16 with Chronology actor and musician Kim Gordon at Hyde Beach by Campari. This event was hosted by Breaking Through Lens, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting filmmakers who experience marginalization due to gender. During this event, Lauren Melinda, founder of Simbelle Productions, announced the Simbelle Impact Award, a generous $10,000 unrestricted grant awarded to a finalist in the upcoming Breaking Through Lens grant cycle. This award aims to support a project that embodies social impact and artistic clarity.
The Creative Process
Despite being one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Stewart had to travel to Europe for the production of Chronology. Based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir, this poignant film follows a once-promising Olympic swimmer as she loses her scholarship and battles addiction while navigating her own sexuality and love for literature. These themes resonate deeply in today’s socio-cultural climate, making it a socially relevant film.
Finding the Perfect Cast
Although Stewart recognized she was not suitable for the role of Yuknavitch, her decision not to star in her own film complicated the financing process. “The list of women and men [actors] that can finance a movie in the entertainment industry is so beyond me. They change so quickly, and I don’t understand them at all,” she shared. Despite her Hollywood stature, Stewart found the financing landscape challenging. Eventually, she cast Imogen Poots in the lead role, a decision that aligns perfectly with the story’s emotional depth.
Reflections at Cannes
Stewart expressed her excitement just hours before the film’s premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at this year’s Cannes. Despite the film festival showcasing seven films directed by women in its 22-category competition lineup, it’s clear that gender parity in the industry remains an ongoing struggle.
Future Aspirations
As for her future directing ambitions, Stewart expressed a desire to act in projects she directs. “I would love to [act] in something I direct, and I will do it soon, I hope,” she said optimistically. However, for now, she relished the moment of finally presenting Chronology to an audience, comparing the experience to watching “my kid in kindergarten like, ‘Look at her go!’”
Kristen Stewart’s journey is illustrative of the broader challenges faced by women directors in the industry. It also serves as an inspiration for emerging filmmakers to persist in the face of obstacles. Through her efforts and the support of organizations like Breaking Through Lens, the future of female-directed films looks more promising.