Introduction to Juliette Binoche’s Directorial Debut
The Oscar winner Juliette Binoche has arrived at the San Sebastian Film Festival for the world premiere of her directorial debut, In-i in motion. This feature documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2008 Tanzheater show In-i, which Binoche created alongside British dancer and choreographer Akram Khan.
The Concept of In-i
In-i is an exploration of love, tracing the emotional ups and downs of a couple from their first meeting. The show premiered at the British National Theater in 2008 before embarking on a 100-day world tour. Binoche and Khan combined their expertise in acting and dancing, drawing from their different life experiences to build the show from scratch. They were supported by acting coach Susan Batson and dancer Su-Man Hsu, who served as a test director.
The Birth of the Idea
The idea for In-i was born when Binoche met Khan during a dance performance in 2006. Binoche was filming Break and Enter in Great Britain at the time, reuniting her with The English Patient director Anthony Minghella, for whom they both won Oscars. Binoche suffered from shoulder pain due to the intense filming schedule and befriended a masseuse who invited her to a dance performance featuring Khan. The two connected backstage, and the idea of working together was sparked.
The Creative Process
Binoche and Khan worked together to create In-i, with Binoche drawn to the unknown and the experience of exploring a new form of expression. They invited acting coach Susan Batson to help establish a connection between Binoche’s acting and Khan’s dancing. Batson’s involvement was crucial in making the show a success, as she helped Binoche find an indoor movement that made sense for her.
Bringing In-i to the Screen
The opportunity to bring In-i to the screen arose two years ago when Binoche met Norwegian investor Ola Ström at the Cannes Film Festival. Ström expressed interest in working with Binoche, and she proposed the idea of making a film about the production of In-i. With the help of her brother, Camille Humeau, who is a producer, and Ström’s production company, Yggdrasil, the project became a reality.
The Resulting Documentary
The resulting documentary, In-i in motion, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intensive process behind the creation of In-i. The film exposes the vulnerabilities of both Binoche and Khan as they navigate the challenges of expressing themselves through dance and words. Binoche hopes that the film will inspire people to try something new and be creative in their own lives.
Binoche’s Experience and Future Plans
Binoche’s experience with In-i has had a lasting impact on her as an actress. She says that it encouraged her to take risks and push herself creatively. Although she has not ruled out future directorial projects, she emphasizes that her acting career has been fulfilling and that she has been lucky to work with amazing artists and directors. Binoche’s film, In-i in motion, premieres at the San Sebastian Film Festival as a non-competitive special screening.
