Rodrigo Sorogoyen to Head Cannes’ Critics Week Jury Including Daniel Kaluuya, Jihane Bougrine,Josée Deshaies, Yulia Evina Bhara (EXCLUSIVE)

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2024 saw Rodrigo Sorogoyen, a renowned Spanish filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer, stepping away from his role due to personal matters. However, he’s been invited back for the 64th edition of Cannes’ Critics Week, where he will preside over the jury this time around.

Sorogoyen primarily gains recognition for creating films and series that offer a political perspective on global events. His latest achievement, “The Beasts,” made its debut at Cannes and subsequently garnered nine Goya Awards and was awarded France’s Cesar Award for best foreign film in 2023.

The Critics Week, overseen by Ava Cahen and known for showcasing debut and early work films, has gathered a diverse jury headed by Sorogoyen. This jury includes Oscar-winning British actor Daniel Kaluuya, Moroccan journalist and songwriter Jihane Bougrine, French-Canadian cinematographer Josée Deshaies, and Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara.

The Critics Week, led by Ava Cahen, focuses on new and early films. It has put together a jury with Sorogoyen at the helm that includes Oscar-winning British actor Daniel Kaluuya, Moroccan journalist and songwriter Jihane Bougrine, French-Canadian cinematographer Josée Deshaies, and Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara.

By inviting Rodrigo Sorogoyen to preside over the Jury for Critics Week, Cahen, the artistic director, is expressing not just admiration for his cinematic work, but also faith in his kind and discerning perspective. It’s a significant privilege to present him with the first and second films from our 2025 selection. There are many feelings involved as well.

Regarding Kaluuya, Cahen mentioned that she first came across him in the “Black Mirror” TV show. Later, she appreciated his acting skills in movies directed by Jordan Peele and Shaka King.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you I’ve always been an avid supporter of indie films. It was at Sundance in January where our paths crossed, and from the get-go, I could feel his infectious passion for cinematic exploration. This genuine zest for discovery left a lasting impression on me, and without hesitation, I extended an invitation for him to be part of our jury this year.

Meanwhile, Sorogoyen lauded Critics Week for its unwavering dedication and faith in nurturing upcoming filmmakers.

A special selection focusing on short films and initial or follow-up projects provides a distinctive platform for propelling and reinforcing the careers of budding film directors. If such opportunities didn’t exist, we would merely continue to honor, exhibit, and amplify the voices of those who have already paved their way, potentially neglecting fresh ideas and artistic expressions from emerging talents.” (Sorogoyen)

Sorogoyen, along with his jury, will award several prizes during Critics Week. These include the Ami Paris Grand Prize for the best feature film, the French Touch Prize selected by the jury, the Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award for outstanding acting performance, and the Leitz Cine Discovery Prize for the best short film. Notably, Ami is a fashion brand that has recently partnered with Critics’ Week as its new sponsor.

This year’s Critics Week event is scheduled from May 14th to May 22nd. Notable finds from the sidelines this time around include “Aftersun” by Charlotte Wells, a film that garnered Paul Mescal an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 2023.

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2025-04-09 12:16