At the start of the year, cinema and the mountains meet for a unique alchemy. At Alpe d'Huez, where the Comedy Festival is celebrating its 28th edition, an atypical jury is establishing itself as a unique tradition. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region Jury, chaired by actor Tomer Sisley, brings together four ski instructors from the French Ski School (ESF) of Alpe d'Huez. Their mission? Award a special prize to one of the films in competition, in a spirit of sincerity and sharing.
A natural collaboration
For its second year of existence, the Regional Jury stands out for its unique composition: amateur jurors, aged 22 to 68, bringing a raw and instinctive look to the films shown. Tomer Sisley, president of the jury, sees this particularity as a real asset: “What's interesting about them is that they don't come from the cinema world. Their view is instinctive and honest, without being biased by technical considerations. It's refreshing and it goes back to basics: what emotions does a film leave? »
From his first meeting with the instructors, Tomer Sisley was able to establish a friendly and attentive atmosphere. Marion, one of the jurors, remembers: “He mainly questioned us to find out what interested us in this experience and tried to understand our personalities. For example, he asked us what our favorite films were. »
Discuss cinema
After each screening, the jury meets to exchange their first impressions in a spirit of sharing. Margot, instructor and member of the jury, explains: “We isolate ourselves and we go around the table first to say what we felt. It’s a real moment of sharing, where everyone can express their opinion. »
For Marion, these discussions go well beyond simple impressions: “Exchanging with Tomer is fascinating. It helps us to better understand why a film can touch us, or on the contrary, why we feel nothing. » These exchanges, eagerly awaited by Tomer Sisley himself, enrich as much as they inspire: “At the end of the screenings, I really look forward to hearing their opinion. »
-“Alpe d’Huez is relaxed, far from the glitter”
Even when opinions differ, the atmosphere always remains caring and respectful. Tomer Sisley insists on the richness of this diversity: “The interest of a jury is precisely that we do not always agree. This allows you to explore feelings and go beyond first impressions. »
For Tomer Sisley, Alpe d'Huez has a particular resonance. It was here that he passed his “eaglet” and experienced his first ski descents… As well as his first fractures. Despite everything, he maintains a sincere attachment to this station: “It’s great. Here, no little phrases, no glitter. It's casual and authentic. » This year, however, he had to give up skiing due to an imminent shoot, a sacrifice that he accepts with nostalgia: “I miss skiing, it's my favorite sport. »
A special experience
For Margot, this adventure was a revelation: “My brother took part in the first edition last year and made me want to. I don't regret a second. » Marion, for her part, speaks of a real turning point: “I had the impression of entering a little bubble. I was very invested in this role. Each film and each debrief has nourished my taste for cinema. I think I became a movie fan thanks to this experience. »
Between the passion for the mountains and the love of cinema, the Regional Jury seems to have found the ideal formula for authentic and memorable exchanges. For Tomer Sisley, this meeting will remain a special moment
