Alain Argilier, founding member of the Vébron International Film Festival: “An audience of real film buffs”

Le maire Alain Argilier (à gauche) avec des bénévoles membres-fondateurs du festival. Midi Libre – Corentin Migoule

"Popular" but “demanding”, the International Film Festival is an institution in Vébron. Its 37th edition is in full swing until this Saturday, July 20, 2024 and is the pride of the mayor, Alain Argilier, who is at the origin of its creation.

In what context was this festival created ? 

In the 80s, we had a village festival and I wanted to add a cultural dimension to it. We were a handful of young film enthusiasts so we opted for a film festival. At the beginning I was told "a film festival in Vébron, it will never work !" But with 1 500 francs, we managed to present a first version thanks to the help of director Raymond Achilli who had a film school in Aix -Marseille and we sent young directors.

The following year, in 1989, the friendship of the father of a founding member with the actress Bernadette Lafont opened up opportunities for us doors. It was she who allowed the festival to develop. But we always wanted to keep this festive spirit of the village. This is what makes the soul of the festival.

How did you ensure the sustainability of the festival so that it celebrates its 37th edition this year ?

An associative festival that lasts this long, it’s true that it’s very rare! The network was created little by little with Bernadette Lafont. There has always been a dynamic with volunteers. In terms of funding, it’s easier today. We are recognized by the various partners that are the Region, the Department and the community of municipalities who subsidize us to the tune of 18,000 euros; for a budget of 40,000 euros.

More than 300 short films were viewed by the preselection committee. Only 35 are presented to the public. How does ’skimming"?

There are nine members who form the preselection committee. They make three groups of 3 and each group watches around 130 films from November to April. All films that obtain an average score above 12 out of 20 are viewed by the entire team. At the end, the 35 films are selected based on relatively subjective criteria. Everyone has their own sensitivity. Some are more attached to the purely technical form, others more to the storyline and the message that the short film gives off. We always try to think of the public, even if it means turning a blind eye to certain imperfections.

What is the profile of festival spectators?

We have a loyal audience. These are people who have been following the festival for years, even if there are new ones who arrive every summer. It’s a family audience, a very specialized audience made up of real movie buffs. The public is very fair when it has to give its verdict for the public prize! It is often consistent with the vision of the association.

What is the influence of current events on the creations presented by the directors?

It is major in the sense that a gloomy year can generate darker, harsher films. This was the case after the pandemic. Many directors have dealt with this period, including that of confinement, in their short films. This year, at first glance, I find it very balanced, with fairly fresh films. The satisfaction is that there are more and more female directors. They represent 42% of the festival's films.

Do the films awarded at Vébron sometimes find an echo on a national scale??

Yes, this was the case for Julie Bertuccelli or Nicolas Philibert who won the César for best documentary film for example.

What is the greatest pride of the organizing association, 36 years after the first edition in 1988 ?

This is to have managed to bring important personalities of cinema to Vébron such as Michel Galabru, Coline Serreau, Alexandra Lamy and Alexandre Astier. They are big names, they do not agree to chair any festival. Those they love are where we stay in touch after the festival. Some have been there for 37 years, that’s our pride! Our other pride is that some volunteers from the village have discovered cinema here in Vébron and have made a career in the industry, as a director or in another role.

The program is here!

As mistress of ceremonies, Anne Girouard presents each film before its screening. Midi Libre – Corentin Migoule

Anne Girouard, mistress of ceremonies

“It's my favorite festival”, proclaims the one who hosted the opening ceremony this Tuesday evening. Known for her role as Queen Guinevere in the series Kaamelott, Anne Girouard enjoys this role entrusted to her by the organizers. “I fell in love with this festival two years ago when I participated as a member of the jury. This place is wonderful! It's a festival that is both demanding and popular”, adds the actress. And to add: “It's a very lively festival, with lots of exchanges and conviviality. It offers 35 different points of view of today's world. It makes you think, reflect, question yourself. I love it!” Once the Vébronnaise interlude is over, Anne Girouard will continue filming the second part of the film Kaamelott which has just started.

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