28/05/2006

Ken Loach (Palme d’Or for The Wind That Shakes the Barley): "I’m shocked, I didn’t except this. But I’m in seventh heaven for all those who worked on the film with me. Because this is a story we’ve wanted to tell for at least ten years, so this award is extraordinary. Thierry Frémeaux and Gilles Jacob also deserve a ‘bravo’ for having put cinema back at the centre of our lives because today’s wars and occupations must be reflected in films, which should not just accompany popcorn. This film is, furthermore, an Irish co-production with Irish actors and an Irish crew. My thanks to all of them, even if this is a wholly international film, without a nationality, especially within the context of an international festival like Cannes".

Bruno Dumont (Grand Jury Prize forFlanders: “I’m extremely happy, this is recognition of my work, an immense joy. Jurors are just spectators. I make films that take risks and try to surprise audiences. I try to reach people, whether it’s Wong Kar-wai or who knows what filmgoer in Hazebrouck. Cannes is a competition, but I’m happy that Ken Loach won. I’m small, I’ve made only four films and this prize and this award, for me, is encouraging for the kind of cinema I’m trying to make, for film students who love this kind of cinema, which is not what the industry wants produced”.

Pedro Almodovar (Best Screenplay for Volver): "I knew I was one of the favourites from the moment that the specialised press pigeonholed me in that position. But being a favourite at Cannes is a true curse, which I’d already experienced in the past. I just wish that the organisers informed us sooner because it’s extremely stressful. As far as the Best Actress award, it is extraordinary praise for Spanish actresses. I don’t feel like their director but, rather, their father. And this festival has been a special one for Spanish language films".

Andrea Arnold (Jury Prize for Red Road): "The first screening of my film in competition, with the red carpet, the "montée des marches", was extraordinary. It’s my first feature film and this was already a completely new experience. Coming back a week later to pick up an award is truly incredible".

(Translated from French)