Marika Bakuradze attended the Cannes Film Festival and shared exclusive insights with “Nargis” from behind the scenes of the most prestigious film festival.
Marika’s first visit to Cannes was seven years ago, and she unexpectedly found herself attending. At first, the numerous rules journalists had to follow seemed confusing to her: “It was madness, but after that, I couldn’t stop… I’ve interviewed almost every global star by now. The days spent at these festivals are precious and magical… It’s not just a day; it’s a process that can last several days or even a week, and you feel like a part of it.”
**Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro**
Attending press conferences with world stars and earning the right to ask them questions is a lottery, but it requires journalistic skill as well as luck: “Being at press conferences is a lottery. Everyone wants to attend, but many details need to be considered. I attended Martin Scorsese’s press conference, where Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio were present. The conference started at 2:30, but I lined up at 10 to get in.”
**Leonardo DiCaprio**
“Last year at Tarantino’s press conference, where DiCaprio was also present, it was so intense that I was standing by the hall from 9 a.m. just to make it in by noon… Once inside, you have to find a spot where the moderator sees you so you have a chance to ask a question. There are often disappointments… things don’t always go as planned.”
**Scarlett Johansson**
During these press conferences, where journalists meet with stars, the personalities of popular directors and actors become evident: “Press conferences last about half an hour or more. You can tell what type of person someone is. For instance, Leonardo DiCaprio is very reserved, doesn’t show much emotion, and doesn’t joke around. Joaquin Phoenix sat with his back to the journalists for most of an event in Berlin before he played in Joker. Those who are naturally open and friendly show that during these meetings, like Roberto Benigni, Emma Thompson, and Brad Pitt.”
**Johnny Depp**
Johnny Depp is known to be very warm, and if possible, he won’t leave without giving autographs and taking photos, but he can be quite confusing when answering questions. Every star has their unique traits. I’ve seen Robert Pattinson twice in a row, always carrying a strange drink and sipping it throughout the press conferences.”
**Jude Law**
This year’s Cannes Festival, according to Marika, is particularly Hollywood-centric: “While it’s a European film festival, like in Berlin, which focuses mainly on European cinema, this year a lot of Hollywood stars gathered, both participants and guests. Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Kirsten Dunst, and Tobey Maguire – many American stars came to Cannes this year. You can feel this big wave…”
**Marika Bakuradze with a photographer who has 31 years of experience at the Cannes Film Festival.**
Selecting the right question to ask Hollywood stars is not an easy process: “The question needs to be interesting, but not too disconnected from reality. Every star knows that a journalist might ask an off-topic question unrelated to the film, but they could get a warning for it. It’s hard to get permission to ask a question, and then it’s tough to ask one that will yield a proper response. In front of me, an Australian woman asked Harrison Ford a question and pointed out that, even at 80, he’s still ‘a very hot man.’ This led to a monologue from Ford, which every agency picked up. When Robert De Niro came to the press conference, the moderator jokingly asked the same woman if she was planning to ask De Niro the same question… So, coming up with a question is a significant task.”
Article by Nino Murgulia
