I'd argue the Pierre Angénieux Tribute is the best thing going at the Cannes Film Festival. Why? Two reasons:

they elevate one filmmaker -- this year, it was Japanese cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa -- by way of tribute. If you haven't seen her work, now is your opportunity. But they don't stop there.

they utilize the platform of that tribute to give a "special encouragement" to a young cinematographer. This year, it was my guest, Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan, who combines Vietnamese and French cultures to offer a new and fresh perspective on storytelling.

Listen to both conversations and tell me this isn't truly amazing what Angénieux is doing at Cannes. May there be 100 more companies that follow their lead.

In this episode, we talk about:

• the press release indicated that she "belongs to a new generation of Vietnamese filmmakers who seek to redefine the contours of a national cinema" -- what do those words mean to her?
• how she got involved in filmmaking and decide to be a cinematographer;
• how much cinematography can be taught?;
• her relationship with technology and cinematography;
• the amazing respect she has for Akiko Ashizawa;
• why there aren't more female cinematographers;
• what she's looking for when working with a director and whether she wants to direct;
• how she maintains her currency on her equipment.

Indie Film Highlight: Akiko Ashizawa

Links:

Follow Linh Dan on Instagram

My Conversation With Akiko Ashizawa

Pierre Angénieux Tribute