“I am participating as an archive photographer. This is a special position: we must document the event as a whole; that is to say the whole festival, not just the climb of the steps… Between 15 and 17 hours of shooting during the ten days of the event with the advantage of being, in certain sequences, the only image makers present. “During press conferences, for example, archive photographers are the only ones authorized to follow the actors, from the exit of the car to the room where the meeting takes place. We are also the only ones behind the scenes for the opening and closing ceremonies, or when fingerprints are taken.”
Behind the scenes
Jean-Louis Hupé has occupied this position of privileged observer since 2021 in several festivals: Cannes therefore, but also Alpe d’Huez and Biarritz Nouvelles Vagues. “I work for an agency that manages audiovisual in this type of event. We are a team, I deliver the photos without retouching and they go through an editor who selects them gradually. I have permission to use them for exhibitions, for my book and my networks.” In reporting, the specifications provide for obligatory passages. “On the red carpet, for example, the priority is the group photo: the entire film crew is the basic order. Apart from that, I am free: for example, I like to capture the look of an actor, the gestures of a director, the effects of lighting or scenery. »
Among the thousands of photos taken over six years, Jean-Louis Hupé selected nearly 40, in color or black and white, presented in identical format for this exhibition in Biarritz which corresponds to the dates of the Nouvelles Waves film festival.
Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, president of the jury, during the Nouvelles Vagues 2025 festival. Jean-Louis Hupé
“I sought to recreate what takes place off camera during these major events: I favored unexpected details, moments of grace and depth, the discreet relationships that take place behind the scenes… all this off-camera which constitutes a full-fledged human and aesthetic experience. »
For example, I like to capture the look of an actor, the gestures of a director, lighting or decor effects.
In the crowd of festival photographers, Jean-Louis Hupé prefers to go unnoticed. “I cultivate respect and discretion. In photo calls, behind the scenes of ceremonies or during interviews, what counts, on the big and small moments of these events, is to let the sensitivity come to the surface. »
Mads Mikkelsen and Viggo Mortensen, at Cannes in 2021 Jean-Louis Hupé
Images taken from the roofs, onlookers on the balcony, what happens behind the security barriers… The photographer is careful with his intention: to make people feel the passion of the cinema professionals as much as that of their fans who flock to the parade. We find Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, George Lucas and Catherine Deneuve. The stars are there to show off and, on the red carpet, pose for all the lenses… “These are special moments for those who are accredited. But for my work, I manage to slip in unexpected details, to look for a certain difference. That’s what is off-camera.”
