“My films are more for cinéastes than the public at large. They are not blockbusters, and the awards I get are given out by people in the profession. For a director, what counts is to have as many people see my film as possible. It’s okay, because I have a certain audience, but on the other hand, this is, as I said before, not a blockbuster, it’s not going to be attracting hordes of people.”

“The choice of an actor is crucial – a false note even in a small role can trip the whole thing up. The rehearsal time with the actors is for me the foundation of the film. It’s important that everyone gets to know one another. I also bring the crew into the rehearsals, so that the barriers can come down and people can trust each other.”

Kechiche was six years old when his parents emigrated to France in 1996.  They settled in Nice, where he grew up.  He took a course at the Antibes Conservatoire, specialising in comedy, and developed a passion for acting - a career which he pursued on graduation until 1992, when he decided to try writing and directing.  His first film, Blame it on Voltaire was a huge success at Venice, and enabled him to continue to make films as a director and win awards.