Céline Sciamma

Cast · Writer · Director

Born

November 12, 1978 · Pontoise, France

"I always wish for the audience to feel less lonely when they leave the room. To have the film as a companion, as a shelter for themselves." Celine Sciamma is a French screenwriter, director and social activist, originally from Pontoise and a graduate of the prestigious La Fémis film school. Sciamma burst onto the scene in 2007 with her debut feature "Water Lilies," which delved into the themes of sexuality and gender fluidity in women, which would become her main themes throughout her film career. Her repertoire includes notable works such as "Tomboy" (2011) and "Girlhood" (2014), and the mesmerizing and intimate "Portrait of a Lady on Fire", which earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards. Known for her minimalist approach, Sciamma's films often feature sparse dialogue and stylized mise-en-scène, with non-professional actors and costumes designed by herself. She often focuses on the coming-of-age genre, exploring the fluidity of sexual and gender identity during the crucial teenage years. Sciamma's cinematic vision is a poignant homage to childhood, identity and the female gaze, cementing her status as a feminist and queer icon revered for her vulnerability and sensitivity.