The Immense Legacy of Pierre

In May 1968, France was paralyzed by a general strike pitting anti-authoritarian youth against the Gaullist government. In solidarity with the protesters, New Wave filmmakers, led by Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut, caused the interruption of the Cannes Film Festival, deeming it indecent to discuss “camera movements and close-ups” while the country was at a breaking point.

Already furious over the government’s attempt to overthrow Henri Langlois, founder of the French Cinematheque, a few months earlier, the creators founded the Society of Film Directors in June to advocate for total creative freedom in the face of censorship and commercial pressure. The following year, the association created the Directors’ Fortnight, a parallel section to the Cannes Film Festival that aimed to better represent world cinemas and promote freedom.

Pierre-Henri Deleau, a passionate film enthusiast, took the lead until 1998, showcasing talents like Werner Herzog, Chantal Akerman, Nagisa Oshima, and others. For filmmaker Michel La Veaux, it was unthinkable not to dedicate a film to Pierre-Henri Deleau.

In a video call with Le Devoir, the two men, united by their love for cinema, share countless historical and film-related anecdotes. Deleau recounts moments when he realized it was time to make way for new talent, citing Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” as a missed opportunity.

Their discussions reveal a deep appreciation for the cinema and acknowledgment from filmmakers whose careers were influenced by Deleau. They reflect on the golden age of cinema and express a mix of cynicism and hope for the current state of filmmaking and festivals like Cannes.

The film “Deleau: Cinema in Freedom” captures the essence of a bygone era of cinema and prompts nostalgia for a time of artistic exploration and discovery. Amidst their reflections, the men touch on the oversaturation of films today and the need for a critical eye to uncover true artistic gems.