“I love the subtlety and elegance of the British.”

Paris competition. How does it feel to be the head of the jury for the 33rd edition of the Dinard Festival, knowing that this is a seaside resort you know well from the filming of “A Good Man”?
Jose Garcia. Firstly, the British Film Festival is my favorite because I love Anglo-Saxon cinema and the quality of British acting and writing. We are really lucky because we have an amazing selection and we had an absolutely crazy week. And then, on a personal level, I’m very happy because I’m on a regional stop and now I have a cabin in my name, so I can tell you that I’m going to come here often and swim (laughs). I spent extraordinary moments in Dinard, I made friends and had many connections. Then Brittany! I’m of Galician descent, if you like, we’re old cousins, we’re Celtic and it reminds me of my own Galicia, although here it’s classy and elegant, but at home it’s very raw.

What makes Dinard Festival so original?
This year, anyway, we have absolutely insane exam quality. Only six films to watch, but what films! It is very user-friendly and you have time to enjoy movies without taking a ton of notes. Then, of course, the quality of the place and the beauty of the area make a difference.

In your opinion, what is the difference between a British film and a French film?
If we French are to take anything from this cinema, it’s the subtlety and finesse of the British that always makes people laugh even in the most difficult situations. They always give you confidence or they always pirouette when you are doing something important. We tend, at one time or another, to be in the first position, something a little heavy, heavy. And life is not like that. For example, life makes you laugh at a funeral.

In your view, are British films too happy?
It is a way of looking at life. Because we want to work on subjects that are so desperate, so sad, it seems like we are, and that can tire people out. Being in this kind of sadness, depression, and first stage, I think we become very dark. Now the Anglo-Saxon pictures we have seen at Dinard are incredible. A genius, choice of subjects, quality of work, editing and cast are very good. Everyone is in the service of the film, you might say.

Is there a British film you’ve always wanted to act in or one you particularly like?
Well, I haven’t got a role there that I can do (laughs) but I am very jealous and wish I had the chance to act in his films of that quality. I have many favorite English movies but I will tell them all already KubrickFrom “Doctor Strangelove” (1964) to “The Shining” (1980).