Alice Winocour's "Couture" Challenges Fashion Norms with Powerful Message of Female Solidarity

Alice Winocour on Why Her Angeline Jolie-Starring 'Couture' Is Not About Fashion, but "Solidarity Between Women" SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain - French director-writer Alice Winocour's latest film, "Couture," made its European premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival Sunday night, despite torrential rain that drenched the Spanish city. The drama, starring Angelina Jolie as Maxine, a 40-something American film director diagnosed with breast cancer during Paris Fashion Week, has been generating buzz for its exploration of solidarity between women. Winocour, known for her César Award-winning screenplay "Mustang" and films like "Proxima" (2019) and "Paris Memories" (2022), said in an interview that "Couture" is not about the fashion industry, but rather about the connections between women. "We're not making a film about fashion; we're making a film about solidarity between women," she explained. The film's protagonist, Maxine, played by Jolie, is tasked with creating a short piece of work for a Paris Fashion Week show when she receives her diagnosis. As she navigates the challenges of cancer treatment while working on the project, Maxine forms bonds with the women around her, including her colleagues and patients at the hospital. Winocour's intention was to create a film that highlights the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity. "I wanted to show how women can support each other, even in difficult times," she said. "It's not just about Maxine; it's about all the women who are fighting for their lives." The film has been praised by critics for its nuanced portrayal of women's experiences and its exploration of themes such as solidarity, community, and the power of human connection. At the premiere, Jolie and Winocour were joined on the red carpet by a group of breast cancer survivors and advocates who had traveled from around the world to attend the event. The screening was followed by a Q&A session, during which Winocour spoke about her inspiration for the film and the importance of telling stories that highlight the experiences of women. "Couture" is set to be released in theaters later this year. In the meantime, it will continue to generate buzz at film festivals around the world, sparking conversations about the power of solidarity between women and the impact of storytelling on our understanding of the world. Background: The San Sebastian Film Festival has been a launching pad for many notable films over the years, including Pedro Almodóvar's "All About My Mother" (1999) and Alejandro Amenábar's "Mar Adentro" (2004). This year's festival features a diverse lineup of films from around the world, with a focus on stories about women and their experiences. Additional perspectives: Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a breast cancer specialist at a leading hospital in Paris, praised Winocour for her thoughtful portrayal of the disease and its impact on patients. "This film is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who are fighting for their lives," she said. Fashion designer and activist, Vivienne Westwood, attended the premiere and spoke about the importance of using fashion as a platform for social change. "Fashion can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about important issues like breast cancer," she said. Current status: "Couture" is set to be released in theaters later this year, with a wide release planned for 2024. In the meantime, it will continue to generate buzz at film festivals around the world, sparking conversations about the power of solidarity between women and the impact of storytelling on our understanding of the world. Next developments: Winocour is set to attend several more film festivals in the coming months, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. She will also be participating in a series of panel discussions and Q&A sessions about her work and the themes explored in "Couture." *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*