Narcomusical set in Mexico seduces Cannes

The film that portrays disappearances, drug trafficking and violence in our country is a serious candidate for the Palme d’Or

The forced disappearances, violence and drug trafficking that has plagued Mexico during the last decade were projected yesterday on the screen of the Cannes Festival through the Franco-Mexican film Emilia Perez, a drama with musical episodes masterfully directed by Jacques Audiard (winner of the Palme d’Or in 2009 for the film A Prophet) and starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Edgar Ramírez and Adriana Paz.

The film equally excited, surprised and terrified the audience that saw it in the different screenings scheduled during the Saturday, although, as expected, it was the official gala at the Lumière Theater that received the loudest ovation for the presence of the director and his cast, but also by the personalities present in the room: Salma Hayek and her husband Francois-Henri Pinault, the actresses Carla Bruni, Marisa Paredes, Eva Green, Ester Expósito, Rosy de Palma, Eva Longoria, Renata Notni and the actor Omar Sy, famous for the Lupine series.

“It is always a huge apprehension to come to Cannes, just like that. And we always feel truly rewarded. I really want to do it again. Thank you all,” said Audiard, who took the microphone briefly in the middle of the ovation that lasted more than five minutes.

Filmed in the metropolitan area of Mexico City and on locations in France, Emilia Perez follows the steps of a criminal who seeks to disappear from the firmament of the authorities and his enemies without leaving a trace, so he hires a lawyer to help him. help change sex.

On that premise, Audiard builds a story of endearing characters who seek to redeem themselves and change the course of their lives in the face of an atrocious reality that constantly threatens them, but in which there is also room for hope and love.

A MEXICAN PARTY

The climate of tension and squalor that was experienced during the 130 minutes of the film contrasted with the festive atmosphere that was enjoyed during the red carpet prior to the official screening, and which featured Cielito Lindo as the opening theme of a plague catwalk. of Mexican and international stars who became the delight of the hundreds of photographers stationed on the sides of the catwalk.

“Ay ay ay ay / canta y no llores / porque cantando se alegran cielito lindo los corazones”, Salma Hayek chanted on the red carpet, and then sang Volver, Volver to her husband at the top of the Palais steps.

Both moments were also captured by video cameras that a few minutes later were viralized on social networks, as was the emotional ovation that Emilia Perez’s team received at the end of the performance and that even caused Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía to cry. Gascón and Adriana Paz.

After leaving the venue, the film team was welcomed again by the photographers while the local sound played Love at First Sight, by Belinda, Lalo Ebratt and Los Ángeles Azules.

Source: excelsior