Science gave birth to film that feeds off science, admittedly to stimulate men and women's imagination, but also to teach them and help them understand things... So why not continue the productive dialogue of film and science by creating a new space where filmmakers, scientists and citizens can meet and talk. This is the purpose of CinemaScience that is being organized by CNRS, the City of Bordeaux, and the Aquitaine Region. This first international festival will be chaired by filmmaker Régis Wargnier and will be held in Bordeaux from October 18 to 26, 2008. Equally renowned filmmaker Jean-Jacques Beineix and CinemaScience sponsor talks about the event that will bring film and science closer together, a self-evident move in his opinion. Interview by Jean-François Desessard.
BE France - Why did you agree to be the sponsor of the first CinemaScience Festival?
Jean-Jacques Beineix - Sure, I'm an artist, but agreeing to accept the honor of being the sponsor of CinemaScience doesn't come out of the blue. When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a scientist or doing something related to science, a dream that could have come true as I almost became a medical doctor. Consequently, science and its developments are subjects close to my heart. However, if I agreed to sponsor the event, it's also because bringing film and science closer together is an self-evident move to me. Actually, perhaps it being so self-evident is why the Festival hasn't existed until now.
BE France - How do you see the Festival?
Jean-Jacques Beineix - The idea is to bring together different components, which will inevitably create a reaction - a bit like chemistry. In other words, CinemaScience will be an opportunity for filmmakers and scientists to meet, get to to know one another better, exchange ideas and discuss them. What will the outcome be? We'll see. But I believe that the 'marriage' between the two communities will be successful and fruitful because it's taking place under a lucky star - the imagination, a harbinger of hope.
BE France - Do you feel close to scientists?
Jean-Jacques Beineix - Jean Renoir used to say, "Cinema is not about telling increasingly sensational stories, it's about delving deeper and deeper into human nature." And what is a scientist's job if not, step by step, gaining greater knowledge and understanding of the Universe and Life, just as, in his own way, the filmmaker's job is - shot after shot - transfiguring the human comedy. Also, an artist and a dreamer lies dormant in every researcher while every filmmaker dreams of accuracy and control. So yes, I feel close to scientists and that is why I'm delighted to be the sponsor of the nascent CinemaScience star, somewhat like the young stars in the Universe that are already shining but whose light we cannot yet see.
