Jane Campion Praises Small Film Festivals at Taormina
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- Jane Campion highlighted the value of smaller film festivals during her opening press conference as jury president at the 62nd Taormina Film Festival, emphasizing their role in deepening film appreciation and building community among cinephiles.
- Jane Campion noted a growing trend in Australia and New Zealand for audiences to attend festivals to connect with others away from phones, underscoring the social and immersive appeal of in-person cinematic experiences.
- Holly Hunter reunited with Jane Campion on the Taormina jury 31 years after winning Cannes Best Actress for The Piano, calling the film’s re-screening a privilege and expressing excitement that her children would see it for the first time.
- Jane Campion and Holly Hunter will participate in a special screening of The Piano at the festival, reigniting their creative partnership from the 1993 Palme d’Or-winning film.
- The Taormina Film Festival launched with an open-air screening of House of the Dragon Season 3 in the Ancient Greek Amphitheater, drawing a 5,000-person crowd and featuring cast members Tom Glynn-Carney, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, and Tim Blake Nelson.
Why it matters: For independent filmmakers and festival organizers, Campion’s endorsement of smaller festivals validates their cultural role beyond major award circuits. Her emphasis on community and presence—over technology—offers a counter-narrative to digital saturation, resonating with audiences seeking authentic cinematic connection.
