Hermès named a luxury handbag after her and she’s still dictating fashion do’s and don’t’s to “It” girls around the world. Now Egypt’s glamorous festival on the Red Sea pays homage to the late legend by presenting a selection of films that showcase her remarkable life and career.
El Gouna Film Festival has announces that it pay homage to the legendary actress and singer, Jane Birkin at the upcoming 6th edition to take place from October 13th to the 20th, 2023. The festival's decision to celebrate Birkin’s illustrious career comes in the wake of her recent passing in France at the age of 76. This tribute aligns with the festival's philosophy of celebrating iconic talents of the past and the present.
Marianne Khoury, the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Festival, emphasized, “In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, it is essential to pay tribute to the trailblazers who have shaped the industry into what it is today. Jane Birkin was not only an iconic actress and singer but also a symbol of freedom and artistic innovation. Her work transcended borders and generations, making her a timeless figure in the world of art. It is our privilege to celebrate her legacy and share a part of her remarkable journey with our audience at the El Gouna Film Festival.”
If you love, or lived the 70’s, Birkin feels like a beacon pointing us towards the best style choices and still today, I find her an inspiration for elegance — the kind that is simple and cannot be bought. Her pairing of a light crochet top with jeans and sandals, while holding her signature woven basket is my own go-to choice during hot summer days. Things may be substituted in my own wardrobe, but I always ask myself, before stepping foot outside my door, “would Birkin wear it this way?” It’s a great filter for a minimalist fashionista.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Birkin's contribution to music was equally extraordinary. Her collaboration with the legendary Serge Gainsbourg resulted in timeless classics like ‘Je t'aime... moi non plus’, a song that challenged societal norms and became an anthem of liberation. Her distinctive voice and poetic lyrics inspired countless musicians and listeners alike, solidifying her place in music history.
As part of this tribute, El Gouna will present a selection of films that showcase Jane Birkin's remarkable life and career. The lineup includes:
Boxes
Jane Birkin | France | 2007 | French, English | 95 min.
In the picturesque Brittany seaside, Anna, aged 45-50, unpacks her boxes in a grand old house, seemingly alone. However, as the boxes reveal their contents, a whirlwind of ex-husbands, lovers, children, parents, and even ghosts emerge. Director Jane Birkin invites us into a captivating journey of memories and emotions.
Jane B. for Agnès V.
Agnès Varda | France | 1988 | French | 99 min.
Agnès Varda's moving portrait of Jane Birkin takes viewers on a multifaceted journey through various fictions and personas. Jane Birkin, known as Jane B., embraces roles such as Jane... d'Arc, Calamity Jane, Jane from Tarzan, and Jane from Gainsbourg. This captivating exploration of identity and creativity brings Birkin's artistry to the forefront.
Kung-Fu Master! (Le Petit Amour)
Agnès Varda | France | 1988 | French, English | 80 min.
Made concurrently with Jane B. for Agnès V (1988), this daring film by Agnès Varda and Jane Birkin (who wrote the story that provided the inspiration for the film) explores the unconventional love between a middle-aged woman, portrayed by Birkin, and a 14-year-old video game enthusiast, played by Varda's son, Mathieu Demy.
Jane by Charlotte
Charlotte Gainsbourg | France | 2021 | French | 90 min.
As time passes, Charlotte Gainsbourg examines her mother, Jane Birkin, in a way she never has before. Through the lens of a camera, they open up to each other, revealing their inner selves and nurturing a mother-daughter relationship that transcends the years. This heartfelt documentary is a testament to the enduring bond between two remarkable women.
Because we cannot forget that Jane Birkin brought the world the wondrous Charlotte Gainsbourg, whom I had the immense honor of finding myself only inches from in Jeddah, this past December! What an immense emotion that was, since I’ve also found Gainsbourg a great source of style inspiration and she did not disappoint in person.
Now a bit about El Gouna FF:
One of the leading festivals in the MENA region, GFF aims to showcase a wide variety of films for a passionate and knowledgeable audience, while fostering better communication between cultures through the art of filmmaking. Its goal is to connect filmmakers from the region with their international counterparts in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. El Gouna Film Festival has gained a reputation for showcasing a diverse lineup of films from around the world, including a strong emphasis on Arab cinema. The festival aims to promote and support the industry's growth in the region and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival is also committed to the discovery of new voices and strives to be a catalyst for the development of cinema in the Arab world, especially through CineGouna Platform, an industry-oriented event created to empower Egyptian and Arab filmmakers and help them find artistic and financial support. CineGouna Platform presents the CineGouna SpringBoard and the CineGouna Bridge programs that provide opportunities for sharing and learning.