During the 11th edition of We Are Lying, Roxane Mesquida captivated the audience with her presence. Accompanying the French premiere of Isaiah’s Phone, produced through her independent company Eighty Minus Two, Roxane shared insights about her journey as an actress and producer. Known for her bold choices and creative approach, she brings up a career rich in experiences, far from the conventions of traditional French cinema. This meeting allowed for the exploration of not only her current project but also an analysis of her unique artistic journey.
As part of the 11th edition of the “We Are Lying!” festival, Roxane Mesquida shared her reflections and cinematic experiences. As a renowned actress and producer, she delved into her journey and career in film. This text explores her story, her artistic choices, and upcoming projects, while offering a glimpse of her collaborations with iconic directors. We will discover a unique voice at the heart of French cinema, her passion for creativity, and revealing anecdotes about her art.
A Captivating Presence
Roxane Mesquida is an actress whose career deserves to be highlighted. With a remarkable debut in Sheitan, directed by Kim Chapiron, she captured the public’s attention. In this provocative film, she embodies Eve, a complex and troubling figure. Her fascinating portrayal has challenged the conventions of French cinema. Since then, Roxane has woven a rich path of bold roles, showcasing a true taste for risk.
She has managed to evolve with her time, forging a path among bold directors, from Catherine Breillat to Gregg Araki. Each collaboration has shaped her artistic identity, allowing her to explore deep and varied themes within her work. In mentioning her experience in films such as A Old Mistress, she emphasizes the importance of conceiving the character as a true challenge. Her artistic integrity stands as a guiding principle.
A Move Towards Production
The transition to production has been crucial for Roxane Mesquida. Thanks to her experience on Night Moves by Kelly Reichardt, she sought to broaden her creative horizon. By co-founding the company Eighty Minus Two, she aimed to experiment without the constraints of large productions. This initiative has allowed her to create short films exploring personal narratives and new artistic visions.
Roxane proudly recalls the early challenges she faced. Baby, her short film, has been successful at various festivals. She witnessed the rise of her friend Frédéric Da, who later produced captivating works. Their work highlights unique stories that question the audience and encourage reflection on contemporary issues. Creating without a budget, far from traditional frameworks, is a space where she feels free and authentic.
The Challenges of Directing
Reflecting on her dream of directing a feature film, Roxane admits that balancing the demands of an acting career with her aspirations as a director is a delicate balance. With six upcoming films, each project represents an opportunity to explore new artistic territory. The challenges of a busy life, between art and family, push her to carefully plan each step of her creative journey.
Furthermore, as an actress, her production experience reinforces her presence on set. According to her, being involved in the creative process allows her to have a broader vision of the film. She expresses a strong desire to collaborate with directors who share a common passion for cinema. This desire to work with honest and authentic artists often guides her choices.
Relationships with Directors
Collaborations with certain filmmakers, such as Catherine Breillat and Quentin Dupieux, provide a true source of enrichment. These creative exchanges become a dynamic of friendship, based on mutual respect and admiration. Roxane acknowledges that she is often ready to say yes to their projects even before reading the script. The trust she has in their visions is indicative of her passion for their work.
The echoes of her past with these directors lead her to an intriguing analysis of the evolution of their styles. Roxane discusses changes in public perception towards works that, at their onset, were misunderstood or even rejected. The rehabilitation of Catherine Breillat deeply touches her, as she has often been sidelined by the industry. Her experience resembles a cinematic journey, in search of recognition.
During her visit to Lyon for the 11th edition of We Are Lying!, Roxane Mesquida captivated the audience with a rich and inspiring discussion. The co-founder of the company Eighty Minus Two, producer of Isaiah’s Phone, shared a fascinating insight into her journey, oscillating between a bold acting career and her growing commitment to film production. Her passion is not only felt through the films she acts in, but also in her desire to create and support projects that are close to her heart.
Roxane spoke about her beginning in auteur cinema and how her role choices have always been driven by a quest for creativity and authenticity. Her experience with directors like Catherine Breillat and Gregg Araki cemented her presence in the cinematic landscape, allowing her to navigate between big-budget productions and more intimate works. The duality of her roles and her unique artistic approach resonate with a varied audience, who recognize her both in cult films like Sheitan and in more nuanced works.
The conversation revealed an actress who is both passionate and determined, caught between the necessity of juggling responsibilities as an actress and producer. The late recognition of her work and that of her collaborators shows a significant evolution in the perception of French cinema, especially towards the works of those who step outside established norms. By sharing her thoughts on the challenges of the industry, Roxane Mesquida not only paved the way for discussions about creativity and artistic freedom, but also reinforced the idea that cinema, ultimately, must remain a space for personal and collective expression.
