The press conference for Xavier Dolans film Matthias & Maxime started the day in the press conference room in the Palais des Festivals building.
The press conference procedures start with the photocall where the cast and director go in front of photographers on the Palais roof which has a beautiful view of the water. These photocalls always happen the day after the official film premieres – so one can imagine how tired but full of adrenaline the cast and director are. After the photocall they are shepherded into the building through another throng of photographers and other assorted media and then into the press conference room where they face 100 and more members of the media – print, more photographers, broadcast media – which goes out live worldwide on Canal French television.
Dolan said that Matthias & Maxim is a friendship film in which he has included his actual circle of friends to be in the film. Its friendship, and a long lost romance, that are the central themes of the film and it’s one of Dolans best works. Nearing age 30, he has made 8 films (six of which have premiered in Cannes) and with some of the worlds biggest stars, and he already has another film finished (‘The Life and Times of John Donovan’). He’s a genius, and surely he’s not reached the peak of his professional career.
The Beijing International Film Festival reception took place at the glamorous Martinez Hotel which included the presentation of the 2020 schedule. The overpacked room enjoyed drinks while Chinese canapés were passed around the room.
The big party of the night, and of the whole festival, was the AMFAR Cinema Against AIDS fundraiser party held at Hotel Du Cap. Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, Pamela Anderson, Kendall Jenner, Antonio Banderas, Chris Tucker and loads of other celebrities (including a performance by Mariah Carey) attended the posh event that raised $15 million for AIDS research. If you had a ticket to this event you’re a real A-lister!
Photo by Tim Baros