1/ What was the reason why you produced 4week end of Champion’ 40 years ago ?

First of all, because I was a fan of Formula 1 racings at that time, and car races in general. I was in fact in a race school names ‘The Racing Stables’but that was no the main reason. The main reason is I wanted to make a movie upon Jackie, who was my friend for a few years, who I admired quite a lot, as a champ but also as a man. So the reason was simple.

2/ Why did you only produce, and not direct it ?

Because I did not think documentary was my thing. Besides I was in the process of ‘Macbeth’, and the movie was kind of difficult. The shooting was long, and I was still shooting. I had no time to do it. And also, I thought Franck Simon, that I met in Cannes with his first movie, presented here, was the perfect guy for that kind of work.

3/ Why is the film only released now ?

The film was presented 40 years ago in Berlin Film Festival, where he got an award; and then was shown on tv. But, atv that time, documentaries were extremely unusual in movie theaters.

I think it ran for a few weeks in theaters in Berlin, but that was it, and i twas released on tv in England, maybe also in France, but I am not sure, and remained for years in the cellars of Technicolor Laboratories.

I thought about it from time to time. Then Franck Simon passed away, he had a CVA or a heart attack, I am not sure. This happened in America, so I had no chance to see him before it happened.

We all forgot about the movie till the lab called me, asking me if they could dispose of the negative. Because you certainly are aware that negative is always kept safe to a certain temperature, with a certain humidity, and this has a cost.

And I think nobody was paying anymore for the conservation of the negative. I told them I wanted to see it, and at once I took the decision to restore it, to create a master, and then I thought, as soon as I have some spare time, I will improve it and try to re-release it.

It took a few years. At least I sat with my film editor, worked on the film again, and decided to add a post scriptum with Jackie, looking back at those times 40 years ago.

4/ You also came to Cannes for the Premiere of ‘La Venus à La Fourrure’, tomorrow. How do you feel?

Well I am awaiting this moment with all my team !

5/ What will be next ?

I am planning a movie about Dreyfuss case. We are writing the script actually. I have no date to give you.

6/ How can u be so enthusiastic, same as when you were at your debuts?

I don’t know. I’d like to know to be able to advise other people, but I think it’s due to the fact it’s my forever passion. You know you don’t have to make an effort when you are passionate. When you have a passion for something, it comes right through.

7/ Is there a story you did not succeed to make a film with ?

There were quite a few. Problems happened that ruined the project, but I don’t know. Last one was about Pompei, the project was in progress, based on a book by Robert Harris. He is the same writer I am working with on the’ Dreyfuss case, and with whom I did ‘Ghost Writer’ adapted from one novel of his.

8/ What is your best memory in Cannes, the very best moment?

I should think about it. I can tell you there was not once, but a few great moments. My first time in Cannes when I was learning at cinema school. At that time, it was something totally different. La Croisette was almost empty, but what a memory to be here, even for 24 hours, or something like this.

Another great moment was when I was the president of the Jury. It was another way to see Cannes. It’s really some work! You have to see two movies everyday. It’s rather easy when you choose the films, but not as easy when you have no choice at all. I remember this as a moment of joy and tiredness.

Of course the best moment was when I was awarded by La Palme d’Or, I should have started with that one. I got it for ‘the Pianist’

9/ What is your favorite film amongst all yours ?

My movies ? I think it’s’ The Pianist’. This is my most personal movie, a film talking about things that matter. I think there was kind of an aura around us when we shot it. Even now 10 or 11 years later, I see this films is the most important for me.

10/ You get a lot of tributes due to your age…

You know, I get those tributes for quite a few years now, and each time I get one, I feel like they want to get rid of me. But I do not feel like being pushed away. I want to go on doing what I do like to do.