On Saturday afternoon at the Cannes Film Festival, Kristen Stewart shared that she was experiencing the happiest day of her life following the premiere of her directorial debut, “The Chronology of Water.” The film, which Stewart adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, has been a long-sought project, and she expressed disbelief at its successful completion after many challenges.
Stewart described the film's journey as tumultuous, stating, “I just thought it was potentially dying every day.” The film features Imogen Poots as a competitive swimmer navigating a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, told through a non-linear narrative.
Despite the challenges, the film has received positive reviews, which surprised Stewart. She expressed a willingness for critical engagement, indicating her desire for conversations about the film’s complex themes and character portrayal.
In an interview, Stewart reflected on her emotional state, noting she had eagerly anticipated discussing her work after eight years of dedication to the project. She mentioned the experience of seeing her film on a big screen for the first time during its premiere and acknowledged a desire to make minor edits to the final cut.
Stewart emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating that she did not want to star in the film as it would limit her ability to engage with the lead actor. Though she expressed interest in potentially directing herself in the future, she felt that Poots was the right fit for the role.
Stewart also discussed the unconventional decisions made during production, which involved breaking from traditional methods to achieve a more authentic expression in the film. She highlighted a recurring theme in her work regarding the challenges faced by women in creative fields.
Reflecting on her experiences at Cannes, Stewart noted changes in festival policies, including the banning of nudity on the red carpet. She expressed her desire to challenge conventions and the weight of expectations she has carried over the years.
Finally, Stewart acknowledged the impact of directing on her perspective as an actress, stating that she would approach future collaborations with greater openness. She also mentioned her admiration for her wife Dylan Meyer’s directorial debut, remarking on the contrast in their experiences during the filmmaking process.