Angelina Jolie made a significant appearance at the 73rd San Sebastián International Film Festival, where she presented her latest film, "Couture." The film, directed by Alice Winocour, is set during Paris Fashion Week and tells the story of three women, including Jolie's character, an American filmmaker dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.
This marked Jolie's debut at the prestigious festival, which runs from September 19 to September 27. The 50-year-old actress has spoken about her deep personal connection to the film's themes, influenced by her own family's history with cancer. Jolie's mother and grandmother both passed away from cancer, with her mother being diagnosed at age 56.
Beyond her acting career, Jolie maintains a lifelong fascination with collecting knives, a passion that began in her childhood and was influenced by visits to Renaissance fairs with her mother. Her collection includes rare antique knives and swords, featuring handmade balisong butterfly knives by Darrel Ralph and luxury folding knives from William Henry, with some pieces valued at over €20,000. She has shared this interest with her children, emphasizing history and tradition.
Jolie also embraces entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, a custom she encountered during her travels in Cambodia. She has shared this experience with her children, viewing it as a way to connect them with their cultural heritage, particularly as her adopted sons Maddox and Pax are from Cambodia and Vietnam. Jolie has described crickets as being like "Doritos" to her children and has prepared dishes with spiders and scorpions.
Reflecting on recent personal challenges, including legal battles, Jolie described a period where she "went very dark." She highlighted the importance of supportive people during difficult times and views her recent work, such as "Couture," as a step towards "starting to come alive again." Her presence at San Sebastián signifies a notable return, showcasing her dedication to filmmaking and her ability to connect with the stories she portrays.