The fourth annual Biarritz Film Festival-Nouvelles Vagues opened Tuesday evening with appearances by Kristen Stewart, Marion Cotillard and Isabelle Huppert.
The event drew crowds despite high temperatures on the Basque coast. Founded to promote young filmmakers, the festival features 52 films and expects around 20,000 visitors through Sunday.
At the opening ceremony, Huppert received an honorary prize for her career and a digital award containing 320 hours of her work. Cotillard introduced her, describing Huppert as one of the most badass women she knows.
Stewart, president of this year's jury, addressed the crowd and emphasized the value of making films without needing to be overly wise or learned. The festival is supported by Biarritz City Hall, Chanel and more than 55 corporate sponsors.
Festival president Jérôme Pulis-Etchevers highlighted the event's focus on candor, youth and freedom. Chanel is involved through its support for the program and by producing the winners' trophies.
