Agnès Varda (Brussels, 1928 – Paris, 2019) was a groundbreaking filmmaker and visual artist, recognized as a key figure of the Nouvelle Vague and an innovator in blending documentary and fiction. Her work, marked by a unique cinematic language and an exploration of everyday life, has left a lasting impact on film and contemporary art. In 1954, she founded Ciné Tamaris, an independent production company that allowed her to finance and maintain creative control over many of her films.
Her photography took her to China, Cuba, and Algeria, while her filmmaking transformed her into a tireless traveler, always seeking new stories. Her films often portrayed marginalized individuals, wanderers, and street artists, capturing their experiences with deep empathy. Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), Sans toit ni loi (1985), and The Gleaners and I (2000) are among her most acclaimed works, where she challenged cinematic conventions by blending reality and imagination. Her legacy remains an enduring source of inspiration for filmmakers and artists worldwide.