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Kristen Stewart's 'The Chronology of Water' Debuts to Ovation at Cannes

Stewart's daring directorial debut, based on Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir, receives critical acclaim and attention for its raw artistic vision and industry commentary.

Kristen Stewart's directorial debut impresses Cannes with four-minute ovation
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Overview

  • The Chronology of Water premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, earning a standing ovation of over four minutes.
  • Kristen Stewart's adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir explores themes of trauma, addiction, and artistic reclamation, with Imogen Poots delivering a widely praised lead performance.
  • Stewart openly acknowledged the film's unfinished state, describing the Cannes debut as a vulnerable first draft and embracing potential imperfections in her work.
  • The director criticized systemic barriers in Hollywood, calling the idea that directors need prior technical experience a 'bullshit fallacy' rooted in gender bias.
  • Stewart's candid remarks also addressed political and cultural challenges, including the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on the film industry and broader shifts in inclusivity.