Driven by the memory of her grandmother, French-Canadian Director Dany Chiasson travels on horseback across France, retracing Joan of Arc’s first 11-day ride over enemy land to meet the uncrowned King. Along the way, Chiasson meets the colourful characters of the French countryside who animate the surrounding history and attempt to help fulfill her dream: to hear the call of the skylark.
The film Ma Joanne d’Arc (My Joan of Arc) will make its premiere at this year’s Cinéfranco festival. We had a chance to speak with director Dany Chiasson to find out more about this very personal journey.
Heidy (HM): When did you decide to make this film?
Dany Chiasson (DC): I had the idea that I wanted to make a film about Joan of Arc since I was in film school, in university. But I was also aware that several films have been made about this icon. At first, I thought of making a documentary about the people who are passionate about Joan of Arc. I travelled to France and while there, I heard of this man who has travelled on horseback to places that Joan of Arc had been to. That is when I had the idea to make this film. I wanted to live Joan of Arc’s journey on horseback and make a film.
HM: How did you prepare to make the film?
DC: I did a lot of research. I read a LOT of books on Joan of Arc. It seems like the more you read, the more she becomes a mystery. What fascinated me about Joan of Arc is what she represents. Joan of Arc stands for going beyond yourself, past your limit, as well as courage and Faith. In some way, I believe Joan of Arc was a mystic; she had a calling. I wanted the film to be about my version of Joan of Arc.
HM: Could you tell us about the filming process; did you have a plan?
DC: We spent two days in Joan of Arc’s home village. Then the journey on horseback was eleven days. I didn’t have any plans whatsoever. We basically had a window of about three hours at every village and we tried to make a short film at each one of them. If there was nothing to film, then we filmed just that. Little moments added up to give the essence of the journey. The only shot that was planned is that of the little girl in the beginning of the film. She is running through the field then we come to meet this little girl who has likes and dislikes like any other little girl. It was a way of demystifying Joan of Arc from the beginning.
HM: Was the film done independently or where funding producers involved?
DC: The film was done independently; I raised money through various councils. This way I was free to do whatever I wanted. I wanted this freedom to be reflected in the film.
HM: In our interview with Cinéfranco’s Artistic Director, Marcelle Lean, she described your film as “poetic and moving. The film goes beyond the physical journey; it is like a declaration of love to [Dany’s] grandmother.” What do you think about this comment?
DC: Yes, I brought the memory of my grandmother with me on this journey. I am very happy about this. Maybe that is why there are several shots of younger girls and older pople in the film. It’s because of my own relationship with my grandmother since I was a little girl.
HM: What is next for this film; any other festivals?
DC: Well, I love Cinéfranco. What is great about it is its audience. It is a mature audience. For now, thought, I am hoping for a small theatrical release. But I have not submitted the film to any other festivals. I’m ready to move on.