Roschdy Zem, the president of the jury for the 52nd Deauville American Film Festival, spoke with Franceinfo Culture just before the jury began its deliberations. Zem, who will soon turn 60, has been a prominent figure in French cinema for over 30 years, appearing in more than 100 films and series since his debut in 1987. He has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious César Award for Best Actor in 2020 for his role in "Roubaix, une lumière." Zem has also directed several films, such as "Les Miens," which was showcased at the Venice Film Festival in 2022. He is currently starring in "Billie Melody," a film that recently opened in theaters during his busy week at Deauville. Zem praised the festival’s selection of films, describing them as strong and thematically rich. Many of the films tackle difficult subjects such as death, Alzheimer's, accidents, and aging. He noted that the stories often focus on characters who are overlooked in everyday life but fight to be seen and heard. While the films do not directly engage with political issues, they reflect the societal impacts of politics. Zem also observed that the films often blend dreamlike imagery with harsh or violent realities, creating a unique emotional contrast. Zem remarked that American independent cinema has become less distinct in its approach to social themes compared to previous decades. However, he noted that filmmakers in both the U.S. and France often tackle their respective social issues in similar ways. He commended American independent filmmakers for their perseverance, many of whom rely on private funding rather than government support to bring their projects to life. Zem expressed excitement about the upcoming deliberations with the festival’s jury, which he described as diverse and composed of individuals from different backgrounds. He emphasized that he is not worried about reaching a consensus and is looking forward to the intense discussions that will follow. He stressed the importance of approaching the films with neutrality, aiming to watch them without preconceived notions or biases. When asked about what makes a film worthy of winning an award, Zem acknowledged the challenge of comparing films due to their varied subjects and styles. He suggested that emotional impact plays a crucial role in the evaluation process. As an actor, Zem values performances that immerse the audience so completely that they forget they are watching an actor and instead see the character as real.