Isaach de Bankolé – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

CANNES 2026 Film Festival Jury – Diane Carson reports

May 27, 2026June 1, 2026 Diane Carson 2026 Cannes International Film Festival Jury, Cannes 2026, chloe zhao, demi moore, Didier Allouch, Diego Céspedes, Isaach de Bankolé, Laura Wandel, Park Chan Wook, PAUL LAVERTY, Ruth Negga, Stellan Skarsgård

Asked by moderator Didier Allouch their reactions upon receiving the call inviting them to serve on this year’s jury, to a person each of the jurors expressed their delight at the honor. U.K. writer Paul Laverty said he immediately wondered if it was a hoax, his three sons “up to some mischief.” Director/writer Chloé Zhao described the upcoming days as a master class with those whose work she admired. Ethiopian/Irish actress Ruth Negga said, “My heart skipped a beat. This feels like poetry . . . the honor and privilege of a lifetime with such extraordinary artists.” American actress Demi Moore reiterated feeling “tremendously honored.” With amusement, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård’s commented, “Finally. I’m so relieved I didn’t die first.” Concluding this round, Park Chan-wook humbly wondered if he was up to the task.

Festivals Reviews

THE FENCE (NYFF 2025) – Review by Margaret Barton-Fumo

October 5, 2025October 11, 2025 Margaret Barton-Fumo claire denis, Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, Mia McKenna-Bruce, NYFF 2025, the fence

Undeniably a master filmmaker with over 35 years of experience directing features, Claire Denis has reached the inevitable point in her career where it is difficult to live up to the standards set by her previous work. This film in particular could use a little more formal pizzazz. Due to its theatrical structure, the film runs a bit flat. The screenplay addresses many of Denis’ often explored themes, such as colonialism, desire, and homosocial relationships, but these are all touchstones represented by mostly familiar talking points. By the time night ends and the drama comes to a head, Denis has wrangled the film into something interesting, but overall The Fence stands as a rather anemic work.