Returning barely six months after its 2021 version, which wrapped in September, French TV pageant Sequence Mania welcomed Jury President Julia Sinkevych,who arrived in Lille from war-torn Ukraine.
“I didn’t know if I’d be fortunate sufficient to be right here tonight,” mentioned Sinkevych to a standing ovation, with Laurence Herszberg, Sequence Mania basic director, observing that tradition can’t be insensitive to what’s occurring.
“The entire world is now admiring our resistance, the resistance of the Ukrainian folks. However there’s one other battlefield, which is tradition, and I would like us to be observed, acknowledged and admired on the cultural battlefield, too,” added Sinkevych.
“This [conflict] has been happening for a very long time and there have been many episodes on this TV sequence. Now, Europe and the remainder of the world ought to work collectively on its grand season finale.”
President of the Worldwide Panorama Jury, French author and actress Anne Berest, additionally confirmed her help by sporting a Ukraine shirt.
The in-person gala, hosted by Daphné Bürki – quickly to be seen in “Chair Tendre” – additionally paid homage to “The Wire” on its 20th anniversary, with a dance routine choreographed by Romain Rios and a sketch by Pablo Mira (“Based on critics, ‘The Wire’ is the perfect TV present of all time, however that’s as a result of they missed ‘Charmed’ season 2,” he mentioned). David Simon’s new present “We Personal This Metropolis,” co-created with George Pelecanos, will premiere in Sequence Mania’s worldwide competitors. It is without doubt one of the most anticipated of this yr’s titles.
Inventive Director Frédéric Lavigne described the ceremony as a “rollercoaster of feelings,” additionally noting a few of this yr’s drama traits, from news-worthy matters to concentrate on healthcare staff, rappers, writers, youth and variety.
Sequence Mania Opening
Courtesy of Sequence Mania/Alexandre Marouze
“Seeing Julia on stage was so transferring – it was the political assertion that we wished. Sequence is a land of distinction, so it’s related to be trivial and severe on the similar time,” he instructed Selection after the occasion wrapped with the screening of “Name My Agent!” creator Fanny Herrero’s new present “Standing Up,” a few group of aspiring comedians.
“Throughout our final version, we had this concept to have a particular concentrate on sequence made by stand-up comedians and for them. We realized there was a brand new era coming, speaking about their life. Additionally, at this second, the whole lot is so darkish. We wished one thing humorous,” he added.
Whereas the humor of the present generated some combined responses among the many viewers, with one visitor noting that the stand-up routines of the protagonists “might be funnier,” others appreciated the characters performed by Mariama Gueye, Younes Boucif, Elsa Guedj and Jean Siuen. Following its premiere at Sequence Mania, the sequence launched on Netflix on March 18.
“It reveals French youth, someway. It’s not about stand-up – it’s about French society,” mentioned Hippolyte Girardot, just lately seen in “The French Dispatch,” wihile actor Zacharie Chasseriaud calling it “touching.”
Whereas Marc Dugain, novelist and movie director, described the sequence’ humor as “very, very French,” “Unorthodox” star and juror Shira Haas added: “I feel that humor is common. When one thing feels genuine, it crosses languages and different limitations. I’m a giant fan of ‘Name My Agent!’ so I used to be trying ahead to it and was not disillusioned. It’s an incredible mixture of humor and feelings, and the appearing was simply very good.”
“Comedy is rising and changing into actually essential. It’s political. Lastly, it’s not nearly shopping for sneakers and fucking girls. Additionally, being on stage is a number of work. I might see myself stressing, desirous to be good. It felt actual,” mentioned actor Romain Brau.
Saud Kassas, collaborating in Sequence Mania Israel-France drama sequence co-writing residency with “Oasis,” chimed in: “Writers who are usually not actually making a dwelling out of writing will sympathize with the primary character. That’s me!”
