Roxane Mesquida Presents “Her Will Be Done” at Cannes
Actress Takes Center Stage in Julia Kowalski’s Film Showcase During Directors’ Fortnight!.
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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On The Directors’ Fortnight Stage
Roxane Mesquida took to the red carpet at this year’s Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des Cinéastes) on May 23, presenting Julia Kowalski’s latest film Que ma volonté soit faite, known internationally as Her Will Be Done. The sidebar at Cannes, celebrated for championing bold, auteur-driven cinema, welcomed Mesquida into its fold not as an actress in the lineup but as a presenter. In her Instagram announcement, she wrote, “What an honor to present Que ma volonté soit faite directed by the incredible Julia Kowalski at @quinzainesdescineastes. Grateful to share this moment with such an amazing crew that I love so deeply. What a ride! ❤️🎥✨” Festival attendees praised the film’s evocative storytelling and applauded the partnership between presenter and director.
A Homegrown Cannes Moment
For Mesquida, the presentation carried extra weight: she was born and raised in Cannes in 1981 and first stepped in front of the camera at just 14 years old. Over more than two decades, she has built a dynamic career spanning French arthouse and international productions, with credits that include Gaspar Noé’s Trouble Every Day and Bruno Dumont’s Twentynine Palms. Returning to the very sands where her cinematic journey began, Mesquida bridged her early breakthrough roles with her current role as an ambassador for emerging filmmakers.
From Child Actress To Cannes Presenter
Mesquida’s first screen appearance was in Karl Lagerfeld’s 1995 short Chanel, a stylish debut that foreshadowed her commitment to artful collaborations. Her fearless turn in Trouble Every Day earned her critical attention, while roles in mainstream thrillers and independent gems showcased her range. After a career marked by daring performances and boundary-pushing projects, she now lends her star power to elevate peers like Kowalski, shifting from lead actress to festival stalwart.
About ‘her Will Be Done’
Julia Kowalski’s sophomore feature delves into themes of autonomy and moral complexity, centering on a young woman determined to forge her own path against societal constraints. Although specific plot details remain under wraps, the ensemble cast includes Maria Antonina Antuaneta, Wojtek Skibinski, Piotr Szetshelsky, Jan Dynio, Eva Malaf, Jean-Baptiste Durand, Raphaël Thiéry, and Laurence Côté. Co-produced by Venin Films, Grande Ourse Films, and What The Films, the production has drawn praise for its meticulous period detail and refined cinematography—hallmarks of Kowalski’s visual storytelling.
Insider Social Buzz
Mesquida helped build anticipation long before the Cannes showcase. In April, she shared the film’s first still on Instagram with the caption “First still #quemavolontésoitfaite directed by #juliakowalski,” offering followers a glimpse of its moody aesthetic. After the official selection was announced, another post read, “So proud to announce that Her Will Be Done… has been selected at @quinzaine_des_cineastes… Couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this beautiful journey alongside our amazing cast and crew.” These candid updates have racked up thousands of likes, amplifying excitement ahead of the screening.
Glam Team & Style Notes
Mesquida’s Cannes looks are almost as talked about as her film work. For the Directors’ Fortnight screening, she teamed up with makeup artist Jamie Coombes, who used Dior Beauty’s latest palette to achieve a radiant glow. Hair stylist Romain Durand styled her hair in soft waves, using products from Dyson Beauty to maintain volume and shine. Her sculptural gown was provided by Dice Kayek, while Christian Louboutin pumps offered the classic red-soled finish. Accessories by Karolyne Liautaud of Elev8.On, along with finishing touches from Sarah Dibona Studio and Agence OZ, completed an ensemble that perfectly balanced festival elegance with cinematic flair.
As film lovers prepare to catch Her Will Be Done in future international screenings, Mesquida’s enthusiastic presentation at Cannes underscores her enduring influence on both sides of the camera. Whether championing new talent or delivering memorable performances, she continues to shape contemporary cinema.
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