Search

Every now and then, our editorial team engages in meetings with personalities who embody the essence of WANT through their unique perspectives, visions of a better living, and overall sense of style. And since we think details make the whole difference, here is a questionnaire about the little (and big) things in life.

For this month's feature, WANT had the pleasure of meeting with Monia Chokri.

Born in Quebec, Monia first gained recognition as an actress in Heartbeats and Laurence Anyways by Xavier Dolan, before transitioning to directing and making a name for herself with her first feature film, A Brother's Love. If it earned her the Jury's Coup de Coeur Prize at Cannes in 2019, her second film, Babysitter, took her to the Sundance Film Festival in 2022, but it is her third piece, The Nature of Love, that propelled her to the ranks of notable directors. By casting a fresh look at love, relationships, and desire, Monia Chokri has created a world that is uniquely her own, yet she leaves its door open for everyone to enter. And it’s a delight to take refuge in this bubble of sensitivity that feels profoundly authentic. Between two transatlantic film shoots, we spoke with her about this tidal wave of success, her future projects, and the little details that populate her imagination. We can only hope she continues sharing these with us on screen for a long time to come.


In an interview for ELLE Québec in May 2022, you mentioned that it was producer Nancy Grant who gave you the impetus you needed to embark on directing. What were you "missing" until then and how did she help you?

Nancy believed in me. I was already writing a feature film, but I didn't think I had the ability to direct. She suggested I direct a first short film, Quelqu’un d’extraordinaire, in 2013, and guided me step by step through the project. She truly gave me confidence in myself. Enough to bring me to direct my first long-feature a few years later, A Brother's Love.

Simple comme Sylvain (The Nature of Love), your most recent film, won the César Award (the equivalent of an Academy Award in France) for Best Foreign Film and received a 7-minute standing ovation at its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, a little over a year ago. Looking back, what impact has this recognition had on you personally and on your approach to filmmaking?

Success and failure can strangely produce the same feeling: a fear of what's next. With failure, there's the fear of disappointing, but experiencing success also brings the apprehension that the next project won't meet expectations, both ours and those of others. I am extremely grateful for the journey of the film and the reception it received from both the industry and the audience, but I must focus on the work without dwelling on this recognition. Otherwise, it paralyzes me.

How do you nurture your creativity daily?

My creativity is fueled by everything around me. First and foremost, from my personal experiences and those of the people I interact with. I also watch many films that feed my visual imagination, and music, which I constantly listen to while writing, guides me. Then, there are philosophers, whom I read extensively.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?

I am returning to acting with some beautiful films, including Mercato, directed by Tristan Séguéla, alongside Jamel Debbouze. There's also Des preuves d’amour, directed by Alice Douard, with Ella Rumpf. I will also be starring in Brigitte Poupard's debut film, Ou vont les âmes, with Julianne Côté, and in Nathan Ambrosioni's new film with Camille Cottin, set to be released this fall. Amidst these projects, I am also working on writing my fourth feature film.

My main character trait: Determination

The thing that makes me angry: The inability to control one's violence towards others.

Last time I cried:  Yesterday, while watching Scènes de la vie conjugale.

What my friends would say about me: That I’m a good advisor.

The quality I appreciate most in others: Empathy

The smell that moves me: Jasmine, which reminds me of Tunisia (my father's country).

The sound I like the most: The sound of waves.

The dish I could eat every day: My mom’s spaghettis.

The ritual that makes me feel good: Swim 

The thing I'm most grateful for: My creativity, which allows to live from my passion.

How I imagine myself when I’m older: Serene and surrounded by friends.

What I believe in the most: That love heals all sorrows.

The place where I feel the best: Facing the Mediterranean Sea.

My dream travel destination: Japan

My greatest passion: Cinema

My idol: My producer, Nancy Grant. She is a generous, creative, sensitive, and ambitious person.

What I love to do most in my free time: Travel

My favorite WANT product(s): The Kelowna Weekender Bag

What I love the most about my job: The community and the perpetual change.

The accomplishment I am proud of: I am proud to have made three films. It's huge for me.

Follow @moniachokri on Instagram to know more about her inspirations, her looks, her travels, her projects, and more.