“Every studio” rejected Barbra Streisand’s film Yentl before it was released years later.
Speaking About Yentl
Hollywood turned its nose up at her passion project for 15 years. Barbra, who had rights to Isaac Bashevis Singer’s Yentl the Yeshiva Boy in 1963, wanted to star in and helm the movie. MGM later released the film in 1983.
At the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival on May 23, Barbra, 84, accepted the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or with a pre-recorded message.
Speaking about Yentl, she said, “I had stories I wanted to tell, like Yentl, about a 19th-century Jewish woman who had to masquerade as a man to get an education.”
“But I was a woman, which was an obstacle to people – and even worse, I was an actress who wanted to direct, so every studio turned me down.”
“For 15 years, the project was on the verge of collapsing. But I had to make this movie.”
The film follows Yentl Mendel. Mendel is an Ashkenazi Jewish woman who disguises herself as a man named Anshel to study Talmudic law.
Inspirations for Streisand
Meet the Parents alum Barbra told how she watched the projects of filmmakers Francois Truffaut, Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, and Akira Kurosawa. Seeing them as a teenager at The Astor Theatre in Brooklyn, New York inspired her directorial career.
The EGOT winner said, “I was mesmerized by those images on the screen.”
“They were so powerful that they’re still in my head. I wanted to be an actress and live in those other, more interesting worlds.”
Barbra ended her speech, “In this crazy, volatile world that seems more fractured every day, it’s reassuring to see the compelling movies at this festival, by artists from many countries.”
“Film has that magical ability to unite us, opening our hearts and minds. I’m so proud to be part of this community, so merci beaucoup and vive le cinema!”
Recovering from Knee Injury
Streisand pulled out of the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony. She is currently recovering from a knee injury.
Barbra said, “On the advice of my doctors, as I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year.”
“But I am deeply honored to receive the honorary Palme d’Or and had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition.”
“I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire – and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved.”
“While I regret that I can’t be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year.”
“My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema.”