Knowing where we stand over the years helps to move forward

Asked to do a two-hour Master Class at EICAR: The International Film and Television School in Paris, I realize how it turned out to be much more than a presentation of my different skills as an actress and producer.

It seemed like a natural process to largely go over past experiences as a child, student, actress and producer. To define the family ties that forged my relationships and imagination. To talk about the people that made the difference by inspiring me or giving me the tools to see things differently. Sharing my complicated relationship to my home town Montreal. Going to Los Angeles and finally ending up in Paris. Explaining my uprooted status as a Parisian. Going from acting to producing. Too short to go into the details but enough to get a picture of where I stand today. Hoping that something along the way inspired these future directors, producers, actors and screenwriters.

But what was so amazing was how I realize today how important the process was. Taking the time to pull out old agendas, boxes, photos, films. Reconnecting with those that counted and that are happy to hear from you after sometimes more than thirty years. A constructive process that pushes forward. Clearing up the facts and discarding the half-truths.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity and thank you to the audience that allowed me to hear what seemed essential.