The grand Halle Tony Garnier, a 5,000-seat concert hall, buzzed with excitement as the Lumière Festival commenced its nine-day program. Director Todd Haynes, joined by stars like Zhang Ziyi, Daniel Brühl, Tsui Hark, and Andrey Zvyagintsev, was a central figure of the evening. Haynes, in Lyon for a masterclass and a retrospective of his works including “Poison” and “Far from Heaven,” used the occasion to discuss his upcoming film, 'De Noche.'
The project, a romance starring Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez, has completed filming and is awaiting a release date. Haynes revealed that the film is "most likely be an R-rated film," though he emphasized that its visual language would avoid being "prurient." He elaborated on the film's emotional core, stating, "What’s going on between the two men is so complex and so moving, but ultimately, it’s a love story." He added that the narrative delves into how "They’re exposing themselves to each other, and they’re exploring things about their masculinity, their vulnerability."
Set in 1938, 'De Noche' shares its historical backdrop with Ettore Scola’s 1977 classic “A Special Day,” which Haynes introduced as the festival’s opening-night screening. This period setting, Haynes noted, introduces unique cultural barriers for its characters. The film originally saw Joaquin Phoenix attached before Pedro Pascal took on the role in 2024.
Beyond Haynes' revelations, the opening night was a vibrant affair. Festival chief Thierry Frémaux, also at the helm of the Cannes Film Festival, delivered his customary blend of cinematic reverence and playful political commentary. He notably quipped about former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying, "The Lumière Award is the only prize we think he won’t ask for. In any case, we won’t give it to him." Frémaux also celebrated the upcoming Lumière Award recipients, Joel and Ethan Coen, who will accept the honor later in the festival, joining a distinguished list of past honorees including Clint Eastwood and Martin Scorsese.
Chinese superstar Zhang Ziyi was also a highlight, introducing a 4K restoration of Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Reflecting on the film's legacy and the current state of cinema, she questioned whether such a film could be made today. "I don’t think so," she concluded, suggesting that while digital tools might make production easier, "the feeling has changed."
The festival, which runs through October 18, promises 163 films and over 400 screenings. The opening gala concluded with the traditional declaration, including an improvised Chinese version by Zhang Ziyi, and a lively celebration at the dinner, featuring dancing to French rock anthem “Allumer le feu.”