Valérie Taesch

QUICK BIO: A few days after crossing the finish line at the “Run in Lyon” event, Valérie Taesch launched herself into a new adventure by joining the festival’s volunteer team for the first time. An expert in half-marathons with the family, an environmental engineer who switched careers to become an interior designer, this resident of La Tour-de-Salvagny is ready to take on any challenge. And while Valérie is happy to don the famous red volunteer uniform, she is most interested in “experiencing different worlds and getting a glimpse behind the scenes of the film industry.” The domain is close to her heart, since her 15-year-old son, Owen, is an aspiring filmmaker. With his first name inspired by American actor Owen Wilson, the young Lyon native’s future looks very promising. After being impressed by “the volunteers’ energy” during her first visit to the festival last year, Valérie decided to take the plunge for this 18th edition. It’s a new title to add to her collection of running medals. The festival has found itself a new, champion volunteer!
 

MY FAVORITE FILMMAKERS: I love the world and the aesthetic sensitivity of Australian director Baz Luhrmann: his film Moulin Rouge is a masterpiece! I also really like Guy Ritchie’s work, especially Snatch.
 

MOVIE THEATER WHERE I DISCOVERED THE CINEMA: It was “Le Royal” in Bourgoin-Jallieu, where I'm from. I remember one of my first movies: it was Cinderella, and I was ten years old.
 

MY GO-TO FILM: Without a doubt, it’s C’est la Vie! by directors Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache: I love this movie, I find the dialogue brilliant! My kids and I really enjoy watching it over and over again.
 

MY PASSION FOR VOLUNTEERING: It’s my first year volunteering. As part of the “Run for the Planet” organization, I helped welcome athletes and hand out medals at the race held at Parc de Lacroix-Laval. I also served as a course marker during a trail run in Isère. 
 

MY MISSIONS AT THE FESTIVAL: I will help out at the bar at the Villa Lumière and then assist in welcoming and guiding visitors at the Cinema Village.
 

— Interview by Laura Lépine