“Two years ago, we took part in the mobilization to defend culture during the Covid crisis and, tonight, we find ourselves opening the Short Film Festival…”
At the end of the launch ceremony of the 45th edition, Friday January 27, at the Maison de la culture in Clermont-Ferrand, Théo was still on his little cloud, savoring the pleasure of having danced on the stage of the Salle Jean -Cocteau with his acolytes from the Lip-Sync Challenge collective. Their sensual choreographies (if not more) echoed the festival’s 2023 retrospective, the libido. No need for subtitles…The Lip-Sync Challenge collective has raised the temperature.
Behind that, we had to follow up. It is the president of Sauve who can make the short film, Eric Roux, who took charge of it. Apologizing on behalf of the association for not being able to offer the cinema-swimming pool or the closing party this year. Because times are tough and you have to be careful with finances. He also mentioned the regional audit which is carried out with the Auvergne film commission.
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After 25 years of good and loyal service, the future of this structure is in suspense, a few years after the merger of the Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes regions. “We will be attentive and mobilized”, warned Eric Roux, before leaving the platform to a representative of the CGT spectacle. Invited on stage by the organizing team, the trade unionist talked about the budget, intermittent workers, maternity leave, retirement… A short leaflet – that’s the rule this week – but hard-hitting.
Several short films were screened during the two opening ceremonies, the second giving pride of place to films.
For the rest, the scenario was known in advance. A summary of the program by a trio of always friendly and efficient presenters followed by a highly anticipated selection of short films. Among them, The palace on the sea the Taiwanese director Midi Z (who will give a masterclass on Tuesday January 31 at the IADT in Clermont); Look at me, by multi-award-winning filmmaker Sally Potter (who will take part in a conversation on Saturday January 28, at La Jetée); and the highly acclaimed Madagascar, travel diary of Bastien Dubois (national jury).
Thierry Senzier
Photos Richard Brunel