Overview

• Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, 'The Chronology of Water,' premiered on May 16, 2025, in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving a prolonged standing ovation.
• The film is an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir, exploring themes of addiction, self-discovery, and resilience through the lens of a former Olympic swimmer.
• Stewart faced significant challenges in financing the film, ultimately securing funding in Europe after struggling to gain support in the United States.
• Imogen Poots stars in the lead role, with Stewart choosing not to act in the film, a decision that further complicated the funding process.
• At Cannes, Stewart emphasized the need for more female-driven narratives and called on the film industry to increase opportunities for women directors.