Tea and talk
As part of the French Film Festival, the Galle Face Hotel hosted French author and filmmaker Daniel Foenkinos in conversation with Ashok Ferrey
When French author Daniel Foenkinos sat down for a short conversation with author Ashok Ferrey on Wednesday, July 13, he couldn’t keep his eyes off the cake. “When am I getting my cake?” he demanded laughingly (but also quite seriously), eyeing the platters of afternoon tea that were being served to his audience.
Ashok Ferrey with Daniel Foenkinos at Galle Face Hotel. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Ferrey, moderator and conversationalist for the evening, managed to hold Foenkinos’ attention for some time. The duo were in conversation as part of an afternoon tea hosted by the Galle Face Hotel to celebrate the opening of the French Film Festival 2016. Foenkinos was here as both author and filmmaker, attending the screening of his book-turned-film, Memories, directed by Jean-Paul Rouve.
The 41-year-old author published The Delicacy in 2009, marking a pivotal point in his career-but it is his 2014 novel Charlotte that he is more enamoured with. Ferrey quickly picked up on this, asking “did this book mark a milestone for you?” to which Foenkinos replied in the affirmative. He also noted that Charlotte might perhaps be the most important thing he has done in his artistic life. The book is a tribute to the Jewish artist Charlotte Saloman, who created her work in solitude over two years during the Second World War before being killed in Auschwitz, aged only 26. The author shared that he was both inspired by and obsessed with Charlotte’s story.
Ferrey was a quick conversationalist, deftly working around Foenkinos’ three works being discussed that day-the Delicacy, Charlotte and Memories-offering the audience glimpses into the core plot and characters in each work, quizzing the author about having his books turned into films and inviting questions from the audience. Foenkinos spoke in particular about having to restrain himself as a screenwriter, adding that the process of film-making fascinated him. He co-directed the adaptation of The Delicacy into film with his brother Stéphane-the film starred Audrey Tautou and was nominated for two César awards in France.
He also shared a few tips on writing-and completing-a novel, noting that the most important thing was to believe in your work. Fonekinos also stressed upon an oft shared piece of advice-to keep writing- saying “to be precise and refined in your style takes work.”