Léopold Cesbron

PostED ON 14.10.2025

BRIEF BIO:  ‘An expert in setting up festival gazebos and tents’ is how 19-year-old Léopold Cesbron humorously describes himself. But first and foremost, he's a keen cinephile who has seen ‘every version of Apocalypse Now ever made’. He obviously has the perfect qualifications to join the festival's team of volunteers. For several years now, this IT student at École 42 Lyon has been involved in a number of projects: volunteering at the Alpha cinema in Charbonnière-les-Bains, the ‘Mad Jacques’ adventure races, and in the ‘Zik en plaine’ festival. He’s also a young ambassador for the Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ).  Originally from Dardilly, Léopold became involved in cinema at an early age thanks to his parents, who organised screenings at home: ‘It’s a ritual that my brothers and sisters and I still enjoy, and one that I continue with my friends!’ 

MY FAVOURITE DIRECTORS:  Without a doubt, Julia Ducournau! Her cinema is intense, and all of her films move me. I also like Michel Gondry: he won me over with The Book of Solutions.

THE MOVIE THEATRE WHERE I DISCOVERED CINEMA:  Since I grew up in Dardilly, we used to go to the Pathé Vaise cinema. But we didn't go there very often: my father had set up a home cinema, complete with a projector!

MY GO-TO FILM: Apocalypse Now is the film I've watched the most. I think I've seen every version of it! I love the ‘Odyssey-like’ quality of this œuvre; it really takes you through a whole gamut of emotions.

WHY I VOLUNTEER: What I enjoy most of all is contributing to providing a quality service to the public. Plus, it's an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. For my first year as a volunteer in the festival, I signed up with a friend from 42 Lyon. We started a film club at our IT school, so it made sense for us to get involved in this event.

MY MISSIONS AT THE FESTIVAL: I’ll help prepare breakfast during the Japanime All-nighter and sell merch during the Lumière Award Ceremony. During the week, I’ll help sell DVDs at the Festival Village. 

 Interview by Laura Lépine

© Laura Lépine