On August 21st, 2024, the film Emilia Pérez, choreographed by Damien Jalet, was released in France. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this musical crime comedy tells the story of a Mexican drug lord who transforms to become the woman he has always wanted to be.
Dance plays an important role in the film, adding emotional depth and helping to reveal the inner lives of the characters. The film stars Karla Sofia Gascón in the title role, alongside Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña and Edgar Ramirez. Jalet’s choreography infuses the narrative with energy, seamlessly integrating dance into the storytelling.
The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, was hailed for its innovative use of dance and compelling performances. Working with the cast and crew, Jalet created a choreographic language that is both visually stunning and narratively powerful. As the film makes its way to cinemas, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Dive into the world of Damien Jalet as he discusses the primal energy of dance, its connection to music and ritual, and his insights into the spiritual and kinetic power of dance in our interview.