Monia Chokri Named as Head of Cannes Caméra d'Or Jury

Monia Chokri, a prominent figure in Quebecois cinema, will chair the jury for the Cannes Film Festival’s Caméra d’Or prize, Variety reports. This significant role sees her overseeing the selection of the best first feature film presented throughout the festival, encompassing both the official selections and the Critics’ Week and Directors’ Fortnight sections. Chokri’s career spans acting, directing, and screenwriting, making her a well-rounded choice for guiding the assessment of emerging talent. She first gained recognition as an actress, notably in works by the acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Denys Arcand, including "The Age of Darkness." Her acting credits also extend to Xavier Dolan's films such as "Heartbeats" and "Laurence Anyways," showcasing her versatility and ability to collaborate with distinctive directorial voices. More recently, Chokri has carved out a successful path as a director. Her debut feature, "A Brother’s Love," garnered critical acclaim, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. This film cemented her reputation as a formidable new voice in filmmaking. Her subsequent directorial effort, "Babysitter," also made its debut at the revered Sundance Film Festival in 2022, further solidifying her international standing. The Caméra d’Or, established in 1978 by Gilles Jacob, is a highly coveted award designed to highlight and encourage new talent in the global cinematic landscape. Past recipients have frequently gone on to achieve significant success and influence within the film industry. The prize is open to all first films presented in the Official Selection, as well as those showcased in the Critics’ Week and Directors’ Fortnight, ensuring a broad and inclusive scope for emerging filmmakers. Chokri’s appointment is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the jury’s deliberations.