Back in March, the film world lost one of its legends, with the passing of acclaimed filmmaker Agnès Varda. Having been such a huge part of the history of film over the last 50+ years, the filmmaker was an icon to many that enjoy the medium and stayed busy up until the very end. And fittingly, she premiered her latest film, “Varda by Agnès” just a month before her passing. Now, thankfully, the documentary is coming to cinemas.
In the first trailer for the film, we see that “Varda by Agnès” isn’t your typical documentary. Instead of some other director taking a look at the life and career of Varda, it’s the filmmaker herself shining the light on her life and what led her to become one of the most revered artists in her industry. Starting from her love of photography and detailing all her inspirations and influences, the director turns the camera on herself and gives film fans a chance to spend time with her in the way that feels most apt.
READ MORE: Cannes Film Festival 2019 Poster Honors French Filmmaker Agnès Varda
As mentioned, “Varda by Agnès” premiered out of competition at the Berlin International Film Festival just before her death. The film went on to get rave reviews and showed that even at 90 years old, Varda was still making some of the best films of her career. After her passing, she was honored by the Cannes Film Festival, who put her likeness on their official poster, honoring the French filmmaker.
“Varda by Agnès” arrives in UK cinemas today, but no North American release has been revealed for now.
Here’s the synopsis:
Agnès Varda – photographer, installation artist, and pioneer of the Nouvelle Vague, is an institution of French cinema. Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Agnès Varda was a one-of-a-kind visual storyteller who eschewed convention and prescribed approaches to drama. In Varda by Agnès — Varda’s final film — she offers a personal insight into her oeuvre, using excerpts from her work to illustrate her unique artistic visions and ideas.