An extraordinary new film festival is poised to enchant the idyllic village of Ménerbes in Provence. The inaugural Dora Maar Film Festival, scheduled from August 29 to 31, promises to be a compelling celebration of arts documentaries, spotlighting iconic photographers and their transcendent work.
This boutique festival, co-founded by Lucy Darwin and Natasha Bahtia, aspires to become an intimate nexus for cinephiles and creators alike. The event aligns with the Dora Maar Cultural Center’s enduring tradition of fostering profound public engagement with the arts.
The carefully curated lineup comprises six poignant documentaries, including Capturing Lee Miller by Teresa Griffiths and Ernest Cole: Lost & Found by acclaimed filmmaker Raoul Peck. The program also features Sabine Weiss: One Century of Photography and Dora Maar: Between Light & Shade, illuminating the indefatigable spirits of pioneering women photographers who transcended conventions and redefined their medium.
A particularly anticipated highlight is the French premiere of War Paint – Women at War, directed by Margy Kinmonth, which venerates the courage and artistry of female war artists stationed on perilous front lines.
Festival director Gwen Strauss noted, “This initiative perpetuates our core mission — connecting audiences with indomitable artists and their evocative narratives.”
The festival’s magnificent venues, such as the Hôtel de Tingry and Le Domaine du Fortin, will offer sublime settings for screenings and intimate encounters. Audiences will relish evening shows under Provençal skies amidst olive groves, cultivating an ambience both serene and stimulating.
Future editions intend to delve into diverse artistic realms — from literature and architecture to gastronomy and fashion — ensuring the festival’s evolution into a quintessential cultural rendezvous in the Luberon.
