It’s time for the review at the Ciné-Café in Nice. The film enthusiasts’ association met last January to award their Goélands 2014, the Nice Césars.
On the agenda: to debate and determine the films that marked the year.
The verdict was announced after several weeks of patience. This Monday, Daniel Fimbel, the president of the association, officially announced the results at the Felix Faure café.
In the end, Timbuktu by Abderrahmane Sissako takes first place. A film about a city not far from Timbuktu that falls under the rule of religious extremists. The twenty or so film enthusiasts were unanimous: the film is one of the most beautiful of the year.
Just a few points behind this feature film is Ida, which comes in second place. Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, the story unfolds in 1960s Poland. It follows a young orphan who learns family secrets dating back to the Nazi occupation. A poignant film that was very well-received by the members of the association.
The podium is completed by the film Sils Maria. Director Olivier Assayas brings together a remarkable cast in this film as Juliette Binoche shares the screen with Kristen Stewart and young Chloë Grace Moretz. The film is about an actress who once achieved great success playing a young girl on stage. She is offered a chance 20 years later to act again in this play, but as the older woman’s role, while a young actress takes on her former role. The film was nominated nine times at the Cannes Festival.
A great year for cinema.
Daniel Fimbel, the association president, is delighted: “We have a really great podium. I am very proud of the Ciné-Café.”
But these three films weren’t the only ones that left a mark on the film enthusiasts in 2014. The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson came in 7th place, just behind Boyhood by Richard Linklater. The film had garnered much attention as it was shot over 12 years with the same actors. A first!
With 2014 over, 2015 is off to a great start for the association members. Foxcatcher by Bennett Miller has already delighted part of the audience while Force Majeure (Snow Therapy) seems likely to make its mark at the next Goéland. To find out, meet once a month at the Brasserie Felix Faure in the company of the Ciné-Café Niçois.
