Kristen Stewart Returns to Cannes with Directorial Debut
At the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, Kristen Stewart, alongside notable figures like Ava DuVernay, Agnes Varda, and Jane Fonda, participated in a significant protest on the Palais steps. Their goal was to spotlight the underrepresentation of female directors, with only three out of 21 films in the competition directed by women that year. Fast forward to 2023, and Stewart is making headlines again, this time with her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water.
The Challenges of Securing Financing
Stewart shared the hurdles she faced in getting her film financed, stating, “We had to leave the United States to make this possible.” This statement highlights the ongoing difficulties women filmmakers encounter in the industry, especially when it comes to funding their projects.
Highlighting Marginalized Voices
During a recent event at Hyde Beach by Campari, Stewart engaged in a conversation with The Chronology of Water actor and musician Kim Gordon. The gathering, organized by Breaking Through Lens, aimed to support filmmakers who experience marginalization due to gender. A standout moment was the announcement of the Simbelle Impact Award, a $10,000 unrestricted grant aimed at funding projects that showcase both social impact and artistic clarity.
From Hollywood to Europe
Despite her prominence as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, securing funding for The Chronology of Water involved taking the production overseas. Based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s acclaimed 2011 memoir, the film chronicles the life of an aspiring Olympic swimmer who faces challenges with addiction while exploring her sexuality and a passion for literature.
The Casting Decision
Stewart’s decision not to portray Yuknavitch herself presented an additional challenge in attracting financial backing for the film. “The list of women and men [actors] that can finance a movie in the entertainment industry are so beyond me. They change so quickly and I don’t understand them at all,” Stewart remarked. Ultimately, she cast Imogen Poots for the lead role, ensuring the film stayed true to its vision.
Cannes 2023: A Long Way to Go
As the festival commenced on May 16, Stewart participated in interviews just hours before her film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section. While this year’s lineup includes seven films directed by women out of 22, it remains clear that equal representation in the industry is still a pressing issue.
Looking Ahead
On her future in directing, Stewart expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I would love to [act] in something I direct, and I will do it soon, I hope.” For now, she is focused on the premiere of The Chronology of Water, comparing the experience to watching her child venture into kindergarten: “I feel like I am watching my kid in kindergarten like, ‘Look at her go!'”