Agnes Varda

Date of Birth: May 30, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 29, 2019

Biography

Agnès Varda was a pioneering Belgian-born French film director, screenwriter, photographer, and artist, often referred to as the “grandmother of the French New Wave.” Born Arlette Varda on May 30, 1928, in Ixelles, Belgium, she carved out a unique niche in the film industry with her distinctive style that blended documentary realism with an avant-garde approach. Her work frequently explored themes of feminism, social justice, and the human condition, earning her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Varda’s first film, “La Pointe Courte” (1955), is considered a forerunner of the French New Wave, blending fiction and documentary styles in a manner that was revolutionary at the time. She continued to break new ground with films like “Cléo from 5 to 7” (1962), “Vagabond” (1985), and “The Gleaners and I” (2000). In addition to her feature films, Varda was also known for her short films and documentaries, which often addressed sociopolitical issues and personal themes. Agnès Varda married fellow director Jacques Demy in 1962, and they remained together until his death in 1990. She continued to work prolifically into her later years, receiving an honorary Academy Award in 2017 for her contributions to cinema. Varda passed away on March 29, 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Agnes Varda

1. Agnès Varda was the first female director to receive an honorary Academy Award.

2. Her film “Cléo from 5 to 7” is considered one of the masterpieces of the French New Wave era.

3. Varda’s work often blurred the lines between documentary and fiction.

4. She was also an accomplished photographer and exhibited her work in galleries around the world.

5. Varda was a committed feminist and her films often addressed women’s issues and social justice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Agnes Varda

1. “I’m not interested in seeing a film just made by a woman— not unless she is looking for new images.”

2. “In my films, I always wanted to make people see deeply. I don’t want to show things, but to give people the desire to see.”

3. “I had a vision of cinema that was very close to documentary, because I came from photography.”

4. “To make a film is to create a world.”

5. “I think happiness is a very strange thing, because you can be happy without knowing it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Agnès Varda’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Agnès Varda had two children: 1. Rosalie Varda (born 1958) – Her daughter with Antoine Bourseiller, who became a costume designer and producer. 2. Mathieu Demy (born 1972) – Her son with Jacques Demy, who is also an actor and director.