Biographie
René Féret, a dedicated filmmaker from Northern France, shot all his films in his native region. Born in 1945 in La Bassée, he grew up in the small town of Annequin, where the local parish priest, a passionate cinephile, sparked his love for cinema. Initially a theater actor (he later appeared in a few of his own films), Féret studied at the Strasbourg School of Dramatic Art before performing in various theaters across Northern France, including "Le Centre Dramatique du Nord" and Cyril Robichez's "TPF." However, his true passion lay in filmmaking. In 1974, with the support of fellow actors and a small team of dedicated technicians, he completed his first film, the deeply personal "Histoire de Paul." Without personal funds, Féret managed this feat through a loan from a friend who had inherited money and an advance from the CNC. The film's protagonist, Paul, was a reflection of Féret himself, who had been institutionalized at the psychiatric hospital in Armentières at 22. His skillful portrayal of this traumatic experience earned him the 1975 Jean Vigo Prize. From that point, René Féret's career progressed steadily, firmly rooted in his home region. His works were often autobiographical ("La Communion solennelle," 1976; "Baptême," 1988), occasionally period pieces ("Nannerl," about Mozart's sister and featuring his daughter Marie, 2010), always genuine and independent of contemporary trends. Producing his own films ensured his creative freedom, and he also financially supported other demanding directors like René Allio and Robert Guédiguian. Between 1995 and 2010, he taught cinema at the University of Lille 3. Active until the end, this remarkable artist passed away in 2015 at the age of 69 after a long illness.
