Taiwanese powerhouse actor Wu Kexi recently starred in the new American film “Blue Sun Palace,” which was selected as a competition film at the 77th Cannes Film Festival’s “International Critics’ Week.” She was invited to attend the festival’s opening red carpet yesterday (May 14), marking her second time at Cannes.
Wu Kexi expressed her honor and happiness in returning to the Cannes Film Festival. She recalled her previous visit in 2019 when her film “A Sunburnt Secret,” in which she served as a screenwriter and lead actress, was nominated in the “Un Certain Regard” competition category.
After a 5-year gap, during which the world underwent a prolonged global pandemic, Wu Kexi shared that these years were marked by the trials and tribulations brought on by the pandemic. She remarked on her endeavor to seek new possibilities and breakthroughs. Being back in Cannes, she felt a sense of familiarity yet also embraced a new energy and hope, aspiring to become a better version of herself and maintaining an unwavering love for cinema.
Another highlight of the opening ceremony was Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep receiving the honorary Golden Palm Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Cannes Film Festival, presented by the legendary actress Juliette Binoche.
One of the most lasting impressions for Wu Kexi was Binoche’s tribute to Streep during the introduction, acknowledging her as someone who “created many classic female film images that lead us forward.” Streep humorously reflected on witnessing her own journey from youth to aging, remarking on the rapid passage of time and encouraging others to bravely pursue their dreams.
Wu Kexi felt fortunate to have witnessed two iconic actresses, finding their presence highly inspiring. She reflected on her own dreams and vowed to pursue them even more fervently.
This year, the Cannes Film Festival appointed American director, screenwriter, and actress Greta Gerwig, known for “Barbie,” as the president of the main competition jury. During the opening ceremony, a tribute video showcasing Gerwig’s body of work since her debut was played, accompanied by a performance of the theme song from her celebrated work “Frances Ha,” evoking emotional reactions from the audience, including Gerwig herself.
Wu Kexi, among the audience, expressed her deep emotions, recalling her astonishment upon watching Gerwig’s film “Frances Ha,” where the actress took on the roles of screenwriter and lead actress. This experience was inspiring for Wu Kexi, leading her to a realization of the varied opportunities available to actresses. It even influenced her to write the film “A Sunburnt Secret.”
Gerwig, having transitioned from acting to screenwriting and finally directing, shared her journey during the opening ceremony. She admitted to lacking the courage and confidence to pursue her dream of directing until one day she decided, “It’s time to JUMP!” This led her to direct her first feature film, “Lady Bird,” followed by the global box office success of “Barbie.”
Seeing the similarity in their paths as actors turned screenwriters, Wu Kexi reflected on the multitude of challenges faced by actors and the importance of making bold decisions to carve out one’s unique path in the arts. She emphasized the necessity of courage and audacity to break through and stressed the importance of individuality in art rather than conforming to standardized norms.