THE FILM ATLAS

Issue 3: To Varda

The Film Atlas’s third issue is an homage to Agnès Varda. Nearly two years after her passing, Issue 3 examines some of the director’s films, themes, and contributions to the cinematic world. To honour the life of a truly remarkable filmmaker, we put to pen the wonder of watching Varda’s masterpieces.

With Varda’s passion and curiosity in mind, we also look forward to women in film with an interview with French-Tunisian-Moroccan documentarian Hind Meddeb.

Click the stills below to read Issue 3.

 
"Fall’s coolness will mottle the psychedelic starbursts of Thérèse’s summer days into kindling earthen tones, but otherwise, all is exactly as before. François’ happiness may waver for a moment, but it never diminishes, his only need an amiable and …

"Fall’s coolness will mottle the psychedelic starbursts of Thérèse’s summer days into kindling earthen tones, but otherwise, all is exactly as before. François’ happiness may waver for a moment, but it never diminishes, his only need an amiable and pliant wife by his side, in his bed. Perhaps any might do.” — Meghan King

"Shrouded in plums or polka dots, Agnes Varda knowingly invites comparisons to kooky grandmothers. Her hair—often a ring of purple around a perfect circle of white, other times a dollop of magenta—is perpetually, resiliently curled under in a bowl c…

"Shrouded in plums or polka dots, Agnes Varda knowingly invites comparisons to kooky grandmothers. Her hair—often a ring of purple around a perfect circle of white, other times a dollop of magenta—is perpetually, resiliently curled under in a bowl cut—a style she chose at the age of 19 and never diverged from, not even in her 90th, and final year around the sun.” — Sophia Larigakis

“In the case of Gleaners, Varda uses the film to investigate something we purposefully step over, and sometimes lack the humility to see: our own impermanence.”— Daniel Iannucci

“In the case of Gleaners, Varda uses the film to investigate something we purposefully step over, and sometimes lack the humility to see: our own impermanence.”— Daniel Iannucci

A Time to Glean

By Daniele Iannucci

“Through her method, Varda does away with dominant ways of “seeing” in pursuit of a diverse, eclectic vision of what it means to be a woman.” — Charlotte Butler

“Through her method, Varda does away with dominant ways of “seeing” in pursuit of a diverse, eclectic vision of what it means to be a woman.”
— Charlotte Butler

Agnès Varda: Feminist Auteur

By Charlotte Butler

"Through her use of mirroring and costume, Varda creates a space for Birkin to explore her deepest artistic desires. Birkin, the auteur, is confronted by circumstance. She overflows with ideas, wit, and mystery. Perhaps, it is only for the achingly …

"Through her use of mirroring and costume, Varda creates a space for Birkin to explore her deepest artistic desires. Birkin, the auteur, is confronted by circumstance. She overflows with ideas, wit, and mystery. Perhaps, it is only for the achingly humane Varda that Birkin can create two portraits that thrive, challenge, and captivate.” — Matt Hoffman

“For those wishing to pay their last respects to the filmmaker who are unable to visit her at her final resting place in Montparnasse, they would do just as well to pack their bags and head out for an afternoon at the beach.'“ — Jeremy Schipper

“For those wishing to pay their last respects to the filmmaker who are unable to visit her at her final resting place in Montparnasse, they would do just as well to pack their bags and head out for an afternoon at the beach.'“ — Jeremy Schipper

“I think a lot about collaboration and empathy in film, both in the art form and the industry. Varda's work, in practice and in how she made her films, exemplifies this.” — Kiva Reardon

“I think a lot about collaboration and empathy in film, both in the art form and the industry. Varda's work, in practice and in how she made her films, exemplifies this.” — Kiva Reardon

“The beauty of documentaries is not about knowing what you’re going to bring back. It’s about being open to listen and open to surprise” — Hind Meddeb

“The beauty of documentaries is not about knowing what you’re going to bring back. It’s about being open to listen and open to surprise” — Hind Meddeb


The Film Atlas’ Third Edition

enjoys cover art by Toronto based artist Elena Mari. Click the cover to the right for more of her work.

Elena Mari. 2020.

Elena Mari. 2020.