The Cannes Film Festival paid tribute to the one of cinema’s greats on Wednesday with the world premiere of a new documentary about David Lynch, who passed away in January.
The late director’s son Riley Lynch was in attendance at the screening of “Welcome to Lynchland,” which he helped introduce with a few words on stage at the Palais.
“This festival meant a lot to my dad,” he said. “It’s a very emotional time.”
Lynch’s son also revealed that the last time he was in Cannes was in 2002 when his dad was jury president. “I had my 10th birthday here and Sharon Stone brought out the cake,” he said.
From director Stéphane Ghez, the hour-long “Welcome to Lynchland” was made before Lynch’s death and revisits the iconic filmmaker’s ouvre, from cult classic debut “Eraserhead,” to “Twin Peaks” via “Mulholland Drive,” as it looks to decipher the enigma of the icon through his work. Alongside interviews with Lynch himself, it features collaborators such as Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, Naomi Watts and Isabella Rossellini.
Lynch has strong ties with Cannes. Alongside serving as jury president in 2002, he won the Palme d’Or in 1990 for “Wild at Heart,” and best director in 2001 for “Mulholland Drive.”
After he passed away at the age of 78, the festival posted its own tribute to the filmmaker.
“It is with infinite sadness that we learn of the passing of David Lynch, a unique and visionary artist whose work has influenced cinema like few others,” it said.
“Winner of the Palme d’Or at the Festival de Cannes in 1990 for “Sailor and Lula” (“Wild At Heart”), then the Prix de la mise en scène (Best Director) in 2001 for “Mulholland Drive,” he elegantly presided over the Jury in 2002. He leaves behind a rare and timeless body of work, whose films will continue to nourish our imagination and inspire all those who see cinema as an art capable of revealing the unspeakable.”
“Welcome to Lynchland” is being sold by Cineteve Sales.
From Variety US