Angelina Jolie recently hosted a special dinner at Atelier Jolie in New York City on June 15, honouring cancer survivors and the importance of community support amidst the challenges of illness. The event coincided with the release of her latest film, “Couture,” which explores deeply personal themes surrounding cancer, reflecting Jolie’s own experiences with the disease.
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In “Couture,” directed by Alice Winocour, Jolie portrays Maxine, an American film director who discovers she has breast cancer while working on a fashion show segment in Europe. The film features additional narratives involving a young model and immigrant, Ada, played by Anyier Anei, and makeup artist Angèle, portrayed by Ella Rumpf. Throughout the film, the intertwined stories highlight the resilience and strength of women from diverse backgrounds as they navigate their personal struggles.
Jolie’s connection to “Couture” is particularly poignant. She lost her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, to breast and ovarian cancer in 2007, and in 2013, Jolie shared her own health journey when she underwent a preventive double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, giving her an estimated 87% chance of developing breast cancer. Reflecting on her role, Jolie remarked, “It has something to say that I thought could be useful to people…if we can figure out how to live through challenges by leaning on each other and having more empathy, the better and less alone we will be.”
The intimate gathering at Atelier Jolie, attended by a select group of 20 guests — including Dr. Rita Charon from Columbia University and Winocour — featured a menu prepared by immigrant and refugee chefs from Eat Offbeat. The dinner served as a platform to celebrate the determination of cancer survivors and foster a sense of community among those affected by the disease.
Jolie expressed her admiration for Winocour’s direction and sensitivity in portraying the nuanced experiences of women in “Couture.” She emphasised that the film is not merely about the end of life but rather about embracing life to the fullest, particularly in light of life’s uncertainties. “The film is about a renewed desire to live life until your last breath,” Jolie shared. The sentiment resonates profoundly with her, as she noted that she may not have been ready to engage with such vulnerability even five years ago.
During the dinner, Jolie also opened up about the profound effects of grief and loss, sharing her longing for her late mother and the impact her absence has had on her family. The actress, who is a mother of six, conveyed the importance of connection and understanding during difficult times, stating, “Things happen in life that take us off path. We lose ourselves and we feel isolated.”
Following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, “Couture” has gained attention for its heartfelt portrayal of women’s experiences. Jolie mentioned feeling particularly vulnerable while making the film, revealing that she wore one of her mother’s necklaces during production. For her, the project feels more like a personal journey than merely a cinematic effort.
In a candid moment during a post-screening Q&A at TIFF, Jolie addressed an audience member who had recently lost a friend to cancer, highlighting the importance of seeing the whole person beyond their illness. She recalled a touching moment with her mother, who expressed her desire to be seen as more than just her cancer diagnosis. “If you know someone who is going through something, ask them about everything else in their life as well,” Jolie advised.
“Couture” is set to be released in theatres on June 26, offering audiences not only a compelling narrative but also a message of hope, resilience, and the significance of community. As the world continues to grapple with the realities of illness, Jolie’s work in this film reinforces the idea that shared experiences and connections can foster strength and understanding in our most challenging moments.