Albert Serra’s latest film, “Seize moments de ma vie” (“Sixteen Moments of My Life”), had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in August. The work documents a one-off performance by actress and recording artist Ingrid Caven at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris, featuring music from Catalan ensemble Molforts. Serra emphasized the project should not be classified as a concert film, noting he directs music only when personally involved in the creative process.
The production emerged from a collaborative relationship between Caven and the musicians spanning over fifteen years. Rather than working directly together, Caven and Molforts communicated exclusively through the music itself, with the ensemble writing pieces that Caven then improvised over. This unconventional process resulted in 16 compositions that Serra filmed, with the material drawing from autobiography and expressing itself through a blend of opera, cabaret, and classical French performance traditions.
Serra’s directorial approach for the film aligned with his established methods on narrative works such as “Liberté” and “Pacifiction.” The director maintained focus exclusively on the performers, avoiding cutaways to audience members. Serra explained that cinema and live performance share inherent qualities of temporality and fragility, with each moment irretrievable once it passes. He framed the opening shot of Caven coughing before her entrance as emblematic of the stakes inherent in live artistic endeavor.
Looking forward, Serra expressed interest in creating a musical comedy in the style of “Brigadoon,” describing it as a departure toward lightheartedness and positivity. He also mentioned admiring performers including Elvis Presley and Maria Callas, expressing hypothetical interest in directing dramatic roles for Presley and comedies for Callas. Currently, Serra is in post-production on his next project, “Out of This World,” which stars Riley Keough and F. Murray Abraham in a film addressing economics and geopolitical themes. He expects to complete editing by the end of the year.
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