Madrid, Spain – Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen has been appointed as the President of the Jury for the 63rd edition of Cannes’ Critics’ Week. The Critics’ Week is a parallel selection at the festival that focuses on first and second features and will take place from May 15-23. Sorogoyen, known for his multiple Goya award-winning film “The Beasts,” expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and praised the Critics’ Week for its support of new voices and innovative storytelling.
Sorogoyen emphasized the importance of these voices in shaping the future of cinema, stating, “Without them, there would be no new cinema. They’re the ones that make it live and make it work.” As the jury president, he is eager to take on the responsibility and contribute to the selection process.
“The Beasts,” Sorogoyen’s most recent film, premiered at the Cannes Premiere strand in 2022. It went on to screen at various festivals around the world, including San Sebastian, Tokyo, and Chicago. The psychological thriller received nine Goya awards, including best director and best film, out of its 17 nominations. It also won the César award for best foreign film in France.
In addition to “The Beasts,” Sorogoyen has an impressive filmography that includes the 2019 drama “Mother,” the 2018 Spanish-French thriller “The Realm,” which won seven Goya awards, the 2016 crime thriller “May God Save Us,” the 2013 romantic drama “Stockholm,” and the 2008 film “8 Dates” co-directed with Peris Romano.
The fellow jury members for Critics’ Week will be announced at a later date. Last year, Amanda Nell Eu’s art horror film “Tiger Stripes” received the grand prize at the event.
The Cannes official selection will be revealed next Thursday, April 11, with the sidebar line-ups to follow in the coming days. Cannes’ Critics’ Week is a highly anticipated segment of the festival, showcasing emerging talent and offering a platform for diverse and innovative storytelling. Sorogoyen’s appointment as the jury president adds further anticipation to this prestigious event.