French screen icon Juliette Binoche drew a full house at Thessaloniki's historic Olympion theatre on Tuesday evening as the 28th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival hosted the special screening of her directorial debut, "In-I In Motion". The film marks the first time the Oscar-winning actress has stepped behind the camera, offering audiences a personal exploration of artistic collaboration and the creative process.
Greeting the audience, Binoche thanked the festival for its invitation and spoke warmly about her connection with the city. "Thank you for inviting me to this special place. It is becoming my second home, and I thank everyone who is here," she said.
The documentary grew out of previously unused footage filmed by her sister, director Marion Stalens. Binoche explained that she spent months shaping the material into a film that could convey the uncertain, often intuitive nature of artistic creation. "My need to create this film came from the desire for the audience to experience a little of what it feels like to be inside a creative process, which is a very blurry condition. You don't know where you are going, but you keep moving because you believe you will eventually find the place you are looking for."
Reflecting on the collaborative environment behind the project, she highlighted both the emotional challenges and moments of discovery that shaped the film. "In this process, there are many fears, but also many miracles that can happen. There were tensions, but also a lot of joy that we managed to do it," she said.
Binoche also emphasised the international character of the creative team involved, with participants coming from across the world, including Taiwan, the United States, Africa, Bangladesh, London and Paris. The diversity, she noted, echoed Thessaloniki's own multicultural heritage. "Since Thessaloniki itself includes many different cultures, as I discover every time I visit, I hope that this film will speak to your hearts and minds."
Welcoming the acclaimed actress to the stage, festival artistic director Orestis Andreadakis praised her remarkable career in European and global cinema. He noted that Binoche has worked with many of the world's most influential filmmakers and has received some of the industry's most prestigious honours, including an Oscar, a BAFTA, a César, and acting prizes at the Cannes, Venice and Berlin film festivals.
Andreadakis also reminded audiences that Binoche was honoured with an honorary Golden Alexander at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in 2024. With "In-I In Motion", he said, she demonstrates that her creative voice extends beyond acting into filmmaking itself. The documentary is expected to be released in Greek cinemas this autumn.
