The 2009 David Lean Lecture given by Atom Egoyan

09 October 09

The David Lean Lecture was given by director Atom Egoyan on 23 October 2009.

WARNING: this video contains sexually explicit themes and images unsuitable for children.

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Over the course of three decades at the forefront of the international film industry, Atom Egoyan has become one of contemporary cinema’s most celebrated auteurs. With feature films including The Adjuster, Calendar, Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter, Felicia’s Journey, Ararat, Where the Truth Lies and 2008’s Adoration Egoyan has garnered countless prizes and nominations, led by Grand Prix and International Critics Awards from the Cannes Film Festival and two Oscar® nominations for The Sweet Hereafter.

David Lean Lecture 2009
RafyEgoyan’s elegant and inventive films feature lonely hearts and isolated figures of unfulfilled desire in often surreal and gloomy scenarios, yet all of his characters are redeemed by his extraordinary compassion for them and insight into their thoughts and feelings. His films are a rare mix of intellect, style and great heart.

Following the UK premiere of his Chloe at the London Film Festival, Egoyan joins the Academy for the prestigious Lean Lecture. With generous support by the Lean Foundation, the lecture is an event in which the world’s most celebrated and compelling directors provide insight into their experiences and into their unique take on cinema and the industry.

For more on Atom Egoyan see www.egofilmsarts.com

Making people aware of the deeply rooted desire they have to escape into a screen image is something I find really stirring

Atom Egoyan, Interview March 1995

Atom Egoyan: David Lean Lecture 2009 Podcast

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The David Lean Lecture

David Lean Foundation The lecture series also serves to carry on the legacy of the great director David Lean, one of the founders of the British Film Academy (as it was then known) in 1947 and continuing inspiration to many through his exceptional body of work. The David Lean Lecture in 2007 was presented by American Director David Lynch.