The short film ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’, backed by Galeries Lafayette, has won an Oscar, marking a significant achievement in the realm of artistic patronage within the retail sector. This 36-minute black-and-white film, directed by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh, explores a dystopian society where kissing is prohibited, replaced by ritualistic slaps for social interactions.
In a statement to WWD, Guillaume Houzé, director of image and innovation at Galeries Lafayette, expressed his excitement: “It’s amazing news for us, for all the team.” He highlighted the film’s prior success on the festival circuit, noting, “the Oscar is really super, super special.”
The narrative centers on Angine, portrayed by Zar Amir, a woman whose curiosity about a playful salesgirl, played by Luàna Bajrami, draws the ire of a jealous colleague. With narration by Vicky Krieps, the film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2024, gaining traction and accolades at various festivals, including the grand jury prize at AFI Fest in Los Angeles and multiple awards at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
Galeries Lafayette’s involvement began at the inception of the project, as Houzé explained that the absurd premise resonated with the retail group’s commitment to supporting creative endeavors. “They came with this amazing idea and this topic. It’s an absurd premise, but what a poetic and beautiful way they managed to do the film,” he noted, praising the film’s artistic elements such as lighting and cinematography.
The filmmakers benefited from the “By Night” initiative, which provides artists with funding and location support, enabling them to film in the department store after hours. This unique access allowed the project to flourish creatively.
Houzé emphasized that this commitment to culture is intrinsic to Galeries Lafayette’s identity. “We’ve been supporting creation for 130 years. It’s a real commitment. It’s not about communication. It’s really part of our DNA,” he stated. The company has expanded its cultural initiatives in recent years, exemplified by the establishment of the Fondation Lafayette Anticipations, a contemporary art institution in Paris designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.
As a partner of the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, Galeries Lafayette plans to continue supporting film initiatives in the coming years. “We want to give our customers a taste of what artists are working on today,” Houzé remarked, highlighting the retail group’s strategy to engage with contemporary cinema.
Following the Oscar win, the team is contemplating ways to celebrate this success within their stores, potentially showcasing a replica of the Oscar or, ideally, the actual award in their Champs-Élysées location. However, Houzé suggested that after more than a year of campaigning and festival participation, the filmmakers may take a moment to reflect before planning their next steps.
The recognition of ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’ not only underscores the film’s artistic merit but also highlights the innovative role that retail environments like Galeries Lafayette can play in fostering creative expression.
