Todd Haynes at Lumière Festival: 'It is a time to remember how important it is to protect our freedoms'

Todd Haynes, a prominent figure in contemporary American cinema, is one of the honored guests at Lyon's Lumière Film Festival. Known for his groundbreaking work in the New Queer Cinema movement, Haynes' films often explore the emotional fallout of social repression and marginalized experiences. During his time at the festival, Haynes presented the restored versions of his directorial debut, "Poison" (1991), and "Safe" (1995), both of which were screened in French cinemas for the first time.

Haynes discussed the enduring relevance of "Poison" and "Safe" during an interview with Euronews Culture. He felt honored to be at the Lumière Film Festival, the birthplace of cinema, and expressed his excitement about the diverse range of films being showcased. Haynes' films, "Poison" and "Safe," are considered his first two features and are set in the height of the AIDS era, which played a significant role in shaping the themes and context of his work.

Haynes reflected on the timeliness of his films, stating that they still carry relevance today, especially in light of ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities. He mentioned the resurgence of concerns around reproductive rights and the acceptance of queer and trans communities. Haynes also touched upon the evolution of Hollywood, expressing concern about the consolidation of media conglomerates and their impact on fostering diverse voices in the industry.

Despite this regression, Haynes continued to create independent films that push boundaries and challenge societal norms.