Oscar nominated for Best Feature Documentary, FACES PLACES is a road trip of two minds, Agnès Varda, whose unique cinematic vision since the 1950s has earned her a loyal following of enthusiastic cinephiles around the world, and the iconic photographer/muralist JR, boasting over a million followers on Instagram. These two artists have more in common than one might imagine.

Both share a lifelong passion for images and how they are created, displayed, and shared. Agnès chose to explore her passion through cinema and documentary, JR through his emotionally arresting open-air photo installations.

When JR, a long-time fan, went to meet Agnès at her home on Rue Daguerre, they both knew immediately they wanted to work together. VISAGES VILLAGES (FACES PLACES) documents their heart warming journey through rural France and the unlikely, tender friendship they formed along the way.

True to its title, FACES PLACES centres on the faces of the characters the pair meet in the various places they visit.
And oh what faces and places!

Rural France and its habitues have never been better served – the farmers, the factory workers, the truckies, the coal miners- interviewed and photographed and exhibited in blown up portraits on barns, silos, trains, factory walls and house frontages.
In a way, the film is Felliniesque, with the visages putting a face to the place.

Towards the end of the film, Agnes decides to pay a visit to Jean Luc Godard,a contemporary of hers in the age of New Wave. He fails to front. She is affronted.  JR comforts her in a most surprising, conciliatory and caring way, a gesture of gentle humanity.

Some documentaries can be dry and earnest, FACES AND PLACES oozes with the juice of life.

FACES PLACES has made history with its Oscar nomination – Agnes Varda at 89 is the oldest person to have been nominated. A win, while not only well deserved, would be a fitting tribute to this fine, effervescent film maker. Hope she wins!