French actress Emmanuelle Béart is the guest of honour at this year's edition of Les Films de Cannes à Bucarest, according to a press release the organisers sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday.

Audiences in Bucharest will have the opportunity to enjoy a retrospective featuring one of her recent significant films and two iconic works from her career, marked by profound performances and collaborations with renowned directors. It's a moving invitation to discover or rediscover Emmanuelle Béart's unique charm and the power of her acting. Her presence brings a touch of elegance, honouring nearly half a century of excellence in French cinema.

The actress will be celebrated with a retrospective of three films - 'La Belle Noiseuse' directed by Jacques Rivette, 'Un cœur en hiver' by Claude Sautet, and 'L'étreinte' by Ludovic Bergery.

'La Belle Noiseuse' (1991) brings together Michel Piccoli, Jane Birkin and Emmanuelle Béart. The film explores the relationship between truth and art, and between the artist and the limits of their creativity. The film was critically acclaimed and stirred considerable discussion over the nudity in scenes with Béart, as well as its unusually long duration of nearly four hours - an artistic licence characteristic of Jacques Rivette. 'La Belle Noiseuse' won the Grand Prix of the Jury at Cannes in 1991.

'Un cœur en hiver' (1992) tells the story of Stéphane, a renowned violin maker, and his friend Maxime, who is secretly involved with violinist Camille. The film delves into a passion for music and the complexity of human emotions, being praised for its clear portrayal of loneliness and inner unrest. Emmanuelle Béart, who trained for a year on the violin for this role, was awarded the Pasinetti Prize for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.

'L'étreinte' (2020), directed by Ludovic Bergery, marks Béart's return to the big screen after several years away. Her character, Margaux, is a widowed woman over 50, aiming to start a new life, resume her literature studies, and seek love. Critics praised Béart's performance, highlighting the natural delivery that has characterised her work throughout her career.

Emmanuelle Béart's filmography is defined by her ability to portray complex characters with emotional depth. Her career includes one César Award and seven nominations, as well as a Best Actress award in Venice, cementing her status as a respected figure in French and European cinema.

Les Films de Cannes à Bucarest will take place in Bucharest between 24 October and 2 November.

The festival will also travel across the country. Audiences in Timisoara are invited to Timis Cinema and Studio Cinema from 23 to 26 October. In Cluj-Napoca, Victoria Cinema and Arta Cinema will host the festival from 30 October to 2 November. In Iasi, Ateneu Cinema will be the festival venue between 7 and 9 November, and in Arad, screenings will take place between 29 and 31 October at Arta Cinema.

Les Films de Cannes à Bucarest is a festival founded in 2010 by Cristian Mungiu, with the support of Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival, and is organised by the Cinemascop Association and Voodoo Films. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)