The Beaches of Agnès

Take a cinematic journey through the extraordinary life of the enduring light of French cinema, Agnès Varda. The celebrated and endearing 80-year old director (Cléo from 5 to 7, Vagabond and The Gleaners and I) recollects her life as she roams the beaches that have had particular influence on her remarkable work and existence.

Winner of Best Documentary at last year's Césars, this unique and delightful autobiography explores the artist's memory, combining deep emotion with spine-tingling sequences as she interweaves photographs, film clips, home movies, fictional recreations and present-day footage.

This dazzling montage also documents Varda's long love affair with her late husband, filmmaker Jacques Demy (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Les demoiselles de Rochefort). She draws the viewer into her circle of family and friends, together with jousters, fishermen, artists, protestors, performers and cats; gleaning incidents and memories that are both rare and tremendously moving.

Wise reflections and compassion abound in this charming snapshot of a wise, old artist. Both tender and truthful, The Beaches of Agnès is an exceptional film by an exceptional woman, a true celebration of both cinema and life.