The Thessaloniki Film Festival welcomed two of the brightest stars of modern cinema, the sparkling Juliette Binoche and the charismatic Ralph Fiennes, on Friday, November 1, at the Olympic. The two great actors received the Golden Alexander of the Festival honor at the screening of the masterpiece film The English Patient (1996) with Anthony Minghella, which was their second collaboration and earned Juliette Binoche a Best Actress Oscar, as well as a Best Actor Oscar nomination for Ralph Fiennes. On Saturday, November 2, the audience of the 65th FKTH will have the opportunity to enjoy the new film with Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, entitled The returnin a screening attended by the two main characters of the film and the director Umberto Pasolini.
The general director of the Festival, Elise Zalandos, and the artistic director, Orestis Andreadakis, welcomed the audience in a packed Olympic hall, introducing the two distinguished guests of the evening. “Good evening everyone. We are here tonight to welcome and honor two outstanding artists. Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes are not just great actors: they are courageous explorers of human emotions, pioneers of their craft, true tellers of unique stories. Juliette Binoche is unique. At Three colors: The Blue tape by Krzysztof Kieslowski, haunted us in the role of the woman who was struggling with unbearable grief. At Chocolate by Lasse Hallstrom, lit up the screen with its charm and depth. At The bridge lovers of Leos Carax, his boldness was interpreted again. From Michael Haneke to Abbas Kiarostami and from Jean-Luc Godard to David Cronenberg, Juliette Binoche has stood alongside some of the most important directors of our day, not as a muse, but as a co-creator and fellow traveller, helping them raise some films. to masterpieces,” they first expressed about Juliette Binoche.
“Raife Fiennes is an actor who manages to live inside each role while losing himself in it, on a rich and exciting journey. For his creepy presence in the film Schindler’s List on of Steven Spielberg for the subtle comic vision he showed there The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson, his range and performances are unique. Through continuous transformations, Ralph Fiennes left his mark and added seriousness to various cinematic worlds, from his role as the menacing Lord Voldemort to Harry Potter with elegant gravity M in James Bond. As often as they met, Juliette and Rafe have created something unforgettable on screen. They were first seen in the film adaptation of it Wind heightin 1992, and now they are reuniting in the film The return by Umberto Pasolini, an unexpected film adaptation of the last rhapsody by Odyssey of Homer. And of course, in the movie The English Patientthe two created one of the greatest love stories of all time in cinema. Their chemistry, but also their ability to reveal the complexities of their inner lives, turned the film into a masterpiece that continues to move us today and will move us forever. So tonight, we honor you both, Juliet and Rafe, for your unparalleled artistry, for your courage and enthusiasm, for the rich gallery of characters you have given us through cinema. Thank you for the magic, depth and humanity you bring to your art”, said Elise Zalandos and Orestis Andreadakis.
A short video of some of the most significant events in the rich careers of the two actors was then shown, and soon after Elise Zalando and Orestes Andreadakis invited Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes on stage, to listen to the Olympic audience. Ralph Fiennes spoke first, in an emotional state. “I feel very grateful and honored to be here, next to this amazing woman. I am very happy to have the opportunity to talk about Juliet and thank you for that. First of all, I want to thank her. Every collaboration with her is like a dream. She is an amazing artist, a pleasure to spend time with. She is a wonderful woman. It offers a unique and unprecedented energy. She is an inspiration to work with. He gives and shares in a way that I have not experienced with any other actor. As you can see, I’m excited because I love her so much,” said Ralph Fiennes, learning about the apotheosis from the audience.
Juliet Binos took the baton, first thanking the Thessaloniki Film Festival, Elise Zalandos and Orestis Andreadakis. “Your skies and seas are a source of inspiration. In my life, but in the lives of all of us, your words and thoughts, Sophocles and Homer, your great philosophers and saints – especially the elder Paisius – nourish my path and my heart. Thank you for what you have given to the world. I had the most amazing day today in Thessaloniki. I visited your monasteries, I walked your streets. I felt your stones and trees. I tasted your bread, fish and vegetables. I admired your Byzantine treasures. A beautiful journey,” said Juliette Binoche first.
“I wish you all the best for the Festival. Many more years of great movies and audiences flocking to theaters because it matters and can make a difference. Today is a very special day as I share this “wedding” award with you, Rafe. We are both very lucky. We share common ground, acting. Where we have the ability to transform, to show how hurt can turn into joy, how frustration can become courage, how fear can be transformed into a safe haven. Dear Rafe, I wish you a true “return” to your most joyful and personal truth. You know what I mean by that. Working with you is a reward in itself that fills my heart and mind. I feel like I know you deeply, but still I want to find you. You are a mystery full of contradictions, and that is exactly why I love you. When we play together, we can’t hide anywhere. Therefore, expressing ourselves is always the best option,” said an emotional Juliette Binoche, who received a long applause from the Olympic audience.
Title: Celebrating Cinematic Excellence: An Interview with Film Experts at the Thessaloniki Film Festival
Setting: A cozy corner of the Thessaloniki Film Festival, adorned with posters of classic films. The ambiance is buzzing with the excitement of attendees.
Participants:
- Editor: Alex Morgan, Editor of Time.news
- Expert: Dr. Elena Kostopoulos, Film Scholar and Critic
Alex Morgan: Good evening, and welcome to our special coverage of the Thessaloniki Film Festival! Tonight, we are honored to have Dr. Elena Kostopoulos with us, a renowned film scholar and critic. Elena, thank you for joining us as we discuss the remarkable tribute to Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes.
Dr. Kostopoulos: Thank you, Alex! It’s a pleasure to be here, especially witnessing such an exceptional event honoring two titans of modern cinema.
Alex Morgan: Absolutely. The festival’s recognition of Binoche and Fiennes is well-deserved. Their chemistry and artistic collaborations, especially in The English Patient, made waves in the film industry. What stood out most to you about their careers?
Dr. Kostopoulos: There’s an undeniable depth to their performances. Juliette Binoche has a unique ability to embody complex emotional landscapes, as we saw in films like Three Colors: Blue and Chocolat. Ralph Fiennes, on the other hand, brings a remarkable range, whether he’s portraying the menacing Lord Voldemort or the enigmatic character in The Grand Budapest Hotel. The blend of their talents creates something truly magical on screen.
Alex Morgan: Well said! The festival highlighted their past collaboration in The English Patient, which not only earned Binoche an Oscar but also solidified Fiennes as a prominent actor. How do you think films like this shape an actor’s legacy?
Dr. Kostopoulos: Each role adds a layer to an actor’s legacy, but it’s collaborations like theirs that resonate with audiences emotionally. The English Patient is more than just a love story; it explores themes of loss, identity, and redemption. Their performances made that narrative timeless and relatable, ensuring that they will be remembered for generations to come.
Alex Morgan: Speaking of timelessness, the festival is showcasing their latest film, The Return, directed by Umberto Pasolini. What are your expectations for this film, especially considering it’s an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey?
Dr. Kostopoulos: I’m quite excited! Adapting such a foundational text is no small feat. Given Fiennes and Binoche’s history of deep emotional storytelling, I anticipate a fresh take that respects the original material while exploring the timeless human experience found in The Odyssey. Their reunion after so many years will surely add an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Alex Morgan: They were described as “courageous explorers of human emotions.” What do you think drives them to take on such challenging roles?
Dr. Kostopoulos: Both actors have demonstrated a remarkable willingness to embrace vulnerability in their performances. It’s part of their artistic integrity. They don’t shy away from exploring the darker or more complex sides of humanity. This fearless approach is what fuels their creativity and keeps audiences captivated.
Alex Morgan: During the ceremony, Fiennes expressed heartfelt admiration for Binoche. Their mutual respect seems to elevate their collaborations. What do you think about the importance of such relationships in the film industry?
Dr. Kostopoulos: Collaborative chemistry is crucial in filmmaking; it creates a synergy that can elevate a project to greatness. Fiennes’ emotional tribute reflects genuine admiration, which likely translates into their performances. When actors trust each other and communicate openly, they can explore characters more deeply, resulting in richer storytelling.
Alex Morgan: Lastly, how do you think events like the Thessaloniki Film Festival contribute to preserving and celebrating cinematic history?
Dr. Kostopoulos: Festivals are vital to preserving cinematic history as they create spaces for dialogue, appreciation, and reflection. Honoring films and actors allows us to connect with the past while looking forward to future innovations in storytelling. Through events like this, we celebrate the art, history, and craft of cinema, ensuring that its evolution continues.
Alex Morgan: Thank you, Dr. Kostopoulos, for sharing your insights! It’s clear that the contributions of Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes have left an indelible mark on cinema. We can’t wait to see what they bring forth in The Return!
Dr. Kostopoulos: Thank you, Alex! It’s been a pleasure discussing these remarkable artists. Here’s to many more cinematic adventures!
Alex Morgan: And thank you to our audience for joining us! Stay tuned for more updates from the Thessaloniki Film Festival!
End of Interview