Often called the “Mother of the New Wave,” Belgian-born French director Agnès Varda was one of the quintessential figures in the Nouvelle Vague, and a cinematic powerhouse like no other.
Her early films, like Cléo From 5 to 7 and Le Bonheur, established Varda as a feminist icon, an innovative artist, and a legendary persona. Her work influenced directors like François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and her husband of almost three decades, Jacques Demy. At the age of 89, Varda released the documentary film Visages, Villages, made in partnership with the elusive French photographer and street artist JR. Though the film did not consummate its Oscar nomination, Varda did receive a Lifetime Achievement Academy Award in the same year.
Varda passed away on March 29 from breast cancer in her Paris home. Her final film, Varda by Agnès, was released in February of this year.
France 24 reviewed the most significant accomplishment’s of Varda’s life in a segment aired on March 29.
