Latest News - The Vincent Perez Archives

15 October 2017

The online cultural magazine, Mowwgli, interviewed Vincent in regard to his "Un Voyage en Russie" exhibition this month at the Gallery Folia. He explained his history with Russia began in his adolescence studying Constantin Stanislavski and Chekhov. He first visited in 1995 when filming "Ligne de vie", directed by Pavel Lounguine. He said, "I stayed three months in Moscow. I met the people in the Chechen mafia on this shoot. In this post Perestroika period, Moscow was divided among a dozen mafias. It was a completely crazy and dangerous period. Since then I return regularly. Many of my films have been released in Russia and I have accompanied them."

When asked how he approached his subjects in his portraits, he explained, "In general, I do not talk much when I photograph. As part of the photos taken for the book, Olivier Rolin was the one who began the discussion. This gave me time to find my frame, the place where the light was most interesting. I sometimes used a flash. I listened and joined the discussion, drawing attention to the photographic moment we were about to share. I'd say a few words in Russian and make a gesture asking them not to express anything. They wondered what that meant. The idea of not expressing anything often causes a fall of masks. The subject finds himself stripped and defenseless. It allows us to see a little further into him. The picture is already taken. But it is not a systematic device. I also like to become invisible and to be forgotten."

He continues, "The Shaman, Solbon Bo, did not want to be photographed. We stayed a good part of the Buryat New Year's Day. He indulged in ritual songs to the rhythm of his tambourine. The host of the house, a bronze sculptor, finally convinced him to be photographed. It was a first time, he said. I was only allowed a limited number of shots. The shaman turns to me after putting on his fur pelts, mask of strips, ribbons, bells, bear claws, and rattling pieces of metal skeleton. I take the picture just before he enters a trance. The shaman, growling, spitting, scolding, roaring, sits on a small stool. His ancestor has just taken possession of him."

Also included in this interview was this "If I were" questionnaire, which Vincent replied to.

If I were a work of art: "The Wrestlers" by sculptor Ousmane Sow
If I were a museum: The MoMA in New York
If I were an artist: Pele
If I were a book: The man who loved dogs (Pandura)
If I were a movie: The Wizard of Oz by Victor Fleming
If I were a piece of music: Mozart's Enchanted Flute
If I were a photo hanging on a wall: The photo of Mohamed Ali that I have in my office
If I were a quote: "Where there is a will there is a way"
If I were a feeling: Passion
If I were an object: A film camera, medium format
If I were an expo: Irving Penn at the Grand Palais in Paris
If I were a place of inspiration: Space
If I were a brew: Le château la Tour
If I were a Hero / Heroine: A Heroine
If I were a garment: A hat

And to my surprise, this magazine also included this darling photo of a young Perez putting on a puppet show.

26 September 2017

An official international trailer from France has debuted for the latest Roman Polanski drama titled D’après Une Histoire Vraie, which first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this year. The film is about a famous writer named Delphine, played by Emmanuelle Seigner, going through a tough time who hires a ghost writer to help her with her work. However, it turns out "L", played by Eva Green, is more of an obsessive admirer who actually has an ulterior motive. Vincent plays Delphine's boyfriend, Francois. Click here for the first international trailer from YouTube. It will open in France on November 1.

Good news! Canada has chosen director Francois Girard's "Hochelaga, Land of Souls" as its contender for consideration in the best foreign-language film Oscar category. I came across this youtube video of Vincent at TIFF. He's interviewed near the end.

Earlier this month, Swiss newspaper Le Temps interviewed Vincent about a new project - the creation in March of the Rencontres du 7e Art Lausanne, an event dedicated to heritage films, modeled on the Festival Lumière de Lyon. When asked what reasons he had for this idea, he responded:

"There are many. First of all, the fact that I still have family in Switzerland, and that every time I come back here, my heart beats. This region is for me inhabited by wonderful memories. Then, the fact that Lausanne, where I was born, is the headquarters of the Swiss Cinematheque, created by this mythical character, this important figure in the history of cinema that is Freddy Buache. And imagine that I am a native of Penthaz and that I spent a good part of my childhood playing football twenty meters from the building that now houses the archives of the Cinematheque. Two of its officials live in our old family house! When I learned this, it stirred something within me. I then thought of this formidable jewel, the city of Lausanne, a city of culture which, with the forthcoming opening of Platform 10, which will bring together three museums, including that of the Elysee, will become a real pole; and I felt this need to create a major event around the cinema. I remember that when I was a kid and I went down the Petit-Chêne, I stopped in front of the window of Georges V to see the photos of the projected films. I began to dream, and when I had no one to speak of it, I lived great moments of solitude."

In this same interview, Vincent discussed his upcoming photography book called "Un Voyage en Russie", published by Delpire Editions, which will be released on October 5. He exclaimed, "It's wonderful. I cannot wait to have it in my hands, and at the same time I'm afraid because it's a clear act. A first book. It is a landmark in the courage of a photographer. It is important. There are about 120 pictures, and there I cannot really hide behind some good shots. I reveal myself. But I think that there are many emotions in these images. It seems to me that I could touch a little of the soul of what I would call the vastness of Russia."

Vincent's photography exhibition of the same name will open at the Gallery Folia in a couple days. What an exciting time for him! On display will be photographs taken by Vincent over the course of four trips through Russia alongside the writer Olivier Rolin. Some of his photos can be seen in this gallery.

From W Magazine, 09/24/17: "When Iman Perez is not occupied on the equestrian circuit—she's a competitive show jumper, occasionally appearing on the same team as Jessica Springsteen, she moonlights as a model, signed to the agencies Next and Storm. The daughter of actor Vincent Perez and the niece of director Luc Besson, Perez is also a Chloé girl—which means she and her perennially flawless hair are likely to be spotted in the front row this Paris Fashion Week."

09 September 2017

On Wednesday evening the world premiere of HOCHELAGA TERRE DES ÂMES (Hochelaga, Land of Souls) took place at the Théâtre Maisonneuve of the Place des Arts in Montreal. The premiere was part of the festivities surrounding the 375th anniversary of the city. For the occasion, director François Girard was present as well as several actors from the film. Yes, Vincent was there along with Wahiakéron Gilbert, Raoul Trujillo, Sébastien Ricard, Emmanuel Schwartz, David La Haye, Karelle Tremblay, Gilles Renaud and Naiade Aoun. Check out the photos from this event.

This evening the director and cast hit the red carpet at the film's screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Click here for the photo gallery.

01 September 2017

Here are some photos from the Art District at the Royal Monceau Hotel in Paris where Vincent's "Bolshoi" exhibition opens today. The third photo shows Vincent with Francois Trabelsi. To view more photos, click here.

25 August 2017

François Girard’s HOCHELAGA TERRE DES ÂMES (Hochelaga, Land of Souls) will be presented in a special gala screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from September 7 to 17. But Montrealers will be treated to the world première of the film, Wednesday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Place des Arts. That official première will be preceded by a free public screening at 7 the same night at the Imperial Cinema as part of Montreal’s 375th anniversary and Canada 150 celebrations. Another free screening will be held at 9:30 p.m. The director and the rest of the film team will be present at all three. The film synopsis reads: "In the aftermath of a tragic terrain slump in the Percival Molson Stadium, the Mohawk archaeologist Baptiste Asigny engages in a search for his ancestors. His findings will take us back in time on a grand journey. From an Iroquoian massacre in 1267 to a football game nowadays, through the purple fever epidemic in 1687, the uprising of the Patriots of 1837 and Jacques Cartier’s visit in 1535, Hochelaga tells the story of Montreal in one single location at the foot of Mont-Royal."

Vincent has the role of famous French explorer Jacques Cartier and I just noted that Linus Roache is included in the cast . Some of you may remember that Linus was Vincent's co-star in the HBO film SHOT THROUGH THE HEART almost 20 years ago. That was the film that introduced me to Vincent Perez and the Archives was soon created. I have always been a fan of Linus as well. There's something very soothing about his voice.

Vincent's wife Karine has written her third book, another familial contemporary story called "L'absente de Noël" (Missing Christmas). Based on her own Senegal background and blended families in her own life, Karine created a story about a 20-year-old girl named Sophie who has decided to do some volunteer work in Dakar but promises to be back before the Christmas holidays. Her father Antoine, presently married to Fanny, with a 17-year-old son Paul, did not end up marrying Sophie's mother Virginie, who is now married to Gabriel. When Sophie doesn't return, the members of these two families find themselves in a hotel in Dakar, forced to live under the same roof while seeking to heal old wounds. One of the book reviewers wrote, "Karine Silla, once again, proves that she knows how to decipher the complexity of feelings..." You can access a video interview with Karine at this link.

09 August 2017

Vincent has a couple photography exhibitions coming up. His first one called "Bolshoi" will be held at Le Royal Monceau in Paris. Acting as a gateway to the contemporary art scene in Paris, the culturally-conscious Art District welcomes artists, connoisseurs and collectors, patrons and art professionals. It plays host to original exhibitions such as retrospectives, exclusive shows and viewings of collections by a variety of artists. "Bolshoi" will be held from August 31 to September 17, 2017.

Echoing the book of the same name that will be published by Delpire Editions on October 5, the exhibition "A Journey in Russia" offers an introduction to the photographs taken by Vincent over the course of four trips through Russia alongside the writer Olivier Rolin. They traveled from Arkhangelsk in the north to Astrakhan in the south, from Saint Petersburg in the west to Ulan-Ude in the east. Through a series of striking portraits – of carpenters, peasant farmers, Cossacks, wealthy landowners, artists, shamans and more – Vincent offers an insightful and deeply humanist view of today’s Russia. His photography also includes snow-covered cities, still lifes, industrial sites, railroad tracks, roads stretching to the horizon, and cruise ships in frozen lakes offering a multi-faceted vision of this photogenic land.

The show pairs Vincent's work – seen here for the the first time – with Olivier Rolin’s prose, for a two-hearted, four-eyed travel journal, and a singular point of view on a country where so much remains to be discovered. "A Journey in Russia" will open on September 29 and run through October 28, 2017 at the Gallery Folia.

As reported last month, Vincent attended the VR Arles Festival as a jury member. He gives an interview at this link. Love his hat!

As most of you know, Vincent's brother-in-law is Luc Besson as their wives are sisters. Besson's latest film, "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets", rumored to be the most expensive French movie ever made, premiered at various cities around the world last month. The film, starring Cara Delevinge and Dane DeHaan, is a sci-fi fantasy based on a long-running French comic. Vincent and his family were invited to the premiere in St. Denis near Paris on July 25th. The fifth photo shows daughter Iman with her uncle.

Here are two more photos by Swiss photographer Anoush Abrar:

Sky Atlantic's 10-episode TV mini-series called RIVIERA was launched in June. At that time, I never came across any photos of Vincent. I found the following stills today. He plays a police commissioner and now we know he must have a fling. The cast includes these women - Julia Stiles, Lena Olin and Monica Bellucci. He's still sexy at 53!

11 July 2017

This week Vincent is attending the VR Arles Festival as a jury member. Founded in 2016 by BNP Paribas, Fisheye and the Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles, the VR Arles Festival presents the world’s best virtual reality productions. After the success of the first festival, this year's event is being held at the Couvent Saint-Césaire in Arles for two months from July 3 to August 31. The photo above shows Vincent with Benoît Baume, President and Director of Fisheye (center), and filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, jury president.

Vincent was asked if virtual reality could inspire him in the future and he answered, "I think about it for my next film that I'm developing right now. It would lend itself quite well to virtual reality. The idea would be to do the classic feature film and then make a virtual reality version, because the whole thing happens in the same place on a small sailboat. It's in my head and I've already talked to my producers. I do not know if it will be a short version but in any case, it makes you want to try."

Vincent's daughter Iman has been participating in horse jumping both at the Chateau du Versailles and at Longines. One of the sponsors for the Longines event is Miasuki, an Italian equestrian brand of clothing. What a classic look and these photos are gorgeous! Vincent must be a very proud papa.

Here are some added black & white photos from Cannes. Vincent is always photogenic!

When Vincent was asked recently what it was like working with Roman Polanski on D’après Une Histoire Vraie, he responded:

"It was like working with a genius. It’s happened to me several times before. I’m lucky enough to have worked with Antonioni, Ettore Scola and Patrice Chéreau…so it’s amazing because suddenly you realize… ok, this is where it’s happening. Suddenly you’re entering into the world of those great creators, and it makes you feel that you’re doing something important. He’s very precise, extremely precise, but at the same time you’re free. The rhythm is super precise but in acting you feel very free."

ALONE IN BERLIN hit theaters in the UK and Ireland on June 30th. In some of his press, Vincent spoke about the casting of his film.

"Emma [Thompson] was my first choice for Anna Quangel. I thought it would be a great challenge for her, and the way she portrays her is marvelous, so it was a thrill to work with her. On the other hand, it took me a very long time to find Otto, a year and a half nearly. What was so great was that Emma didn’t leave the project. She stayed and she was always there and I never felt that she had any doubts about the film. But Brendan [Gleeson], when I met him it was obvious straightaway. He had that big heart. He didn’t have to show anything but you felt it. He was so precise in his work and so implicated, both of them really… The way they created that couple was magical."

And he spoke about the feedback from around the world and in Germany:

"The movie came out in thirty countries around the world, the UK is the last one, here and then Japan. I did the press in Japan and it was very well received, so I’m excited to see what happens there. Australia was a great success, and so was New Zealand and Israel. Germany was very difficult to tell you the truth. I think the movie touched something that the German people feel belong to them. I think we touched a very sensitive chord. We went to the Berlin Film Festival and it was very tough. Festivals are very tough in general... I mean the Berlin festival is very political so bringing a movie like that and talking about German history in English wasn’t what they were expecting. It was tough, but it was quite an experience for me because I worked so hard for ten years…the good thing is that it went so well in so many other countries. I totally understand the German reaction though.

At the same time "Alone in Berlin" opens in the UK, as a film tie-in, Penquin Modern Classics has published a new paperback edition.

Here is a new photo shoot by Swiss photographer Anoush Abrar. The last one is the best!