Tayana Touam Arnaud

POSTED ON 11.10.2025

BRIEF BIO: ‘I've been into cinema since I was a kid!’ she exclaims. A true Lyonnaise, Tayana Touam Arnaud took her first steps as a film lover at the Pathé Bellecour theatre. The young woman, a graduate of the ISEG communication school, has been a faithful fan of the festival from the very beginning. Her mother, Sylvie, was a volunteer for several years, so it was only natural that Tayana would one day don the red volunteer uniform. For the second year in a row, this expert in marketing and digital communication will be one of the smiling faces greeting the public at the Pathé Bellecour. ‘I love seeing the excitement of the audience as they enter the theatres!’ Her first year as a volunteer was full of memorable emotion, especially when she came across a certain Benicio del Toro: ‘During his master class, he took the time to greet us and take a photo with the whole team of volunteers! It was an incredible moment!’ The 2025 edition will be just as special for Tayana, since one of her favourite directors will be there: Alain Chabat. It is a gift for all the people of Lyon who have fallen under the magic spell of cinema.

MY FAVOURITE FILMMAKERS: The director I admire most is James Cameron: I love the way he conveys emotions and I can completely relate to his films. I've been a huge fan of Alexandre Astier ever since the Kaamelott series! I also love Alain Chabat for his sense of humour.

THE THEATRE WHERE I DISCOVERED CINEMA:  Like many people in Lyon, it was the Pathé Bellecour; my mother is an avid connoisseur of cinema and her passion was infectious!

MY GO-TO FILM: Without a doubt, Titanic – I know certain scenes by heart! I never miss it when it’s rebroadcast on TV!

WHY I VOLUNTEER: The festival is my first experience as a volunteer; it's a wonderful opportunity to discover what goes on behind the scenes at such a large-scale event. It's great to be a part of making it happen. And I never get tired of seeing the smiling faces of the audiences every day!

MY FESTIVAL TASKS: This year, I am the coordinator at the Pathé Bellecour cinema: my role is to help the other volunteers and ensure that the screenings run smoothly. I also participate by welcoming festivalgoers to the Halle Tony Garnier for the Family screening.

 Interviewed by Laura Lépine

© Laura Lépine