After highlighting other film festivals in the past, such as Venice and Cannes, which become more commercial by the year, I was looking for one which is more intimate, that offers a much more relaxed vibe. And I found it in the Deauville American Festival, which, since 1975, has showcased the full range of American cinema, from major Hollywood productions to independent films, and continuously revealed new talent. Deauville is a beautiful seaside resort in the Normandy region of northwestern France; the ‘Queen of the Norman beaches’. It has its racecourse, harbour, villas, famous Casino and sumptuous hotels, but for most of the year it is still a haven of tranquility where people can relax. And the international film festival has the same atmosphere. I enjoyed seeing great movies, eating wonderful food and meeting actors and producers who took the time to promote their latest films.