Theo Angelopoulos' long association with Cannes came to a climax in 1998 when Eternity And A Day won the Palme d'Or. The award marked a decisive point in the Greek auteur's career as he was embarking on an ambitious trilogy spanning the 20th century, starting with The Weeping Meadow in 2004, followed by The Dust Of Times, due to start shooting in October 2007.

What did it feel like to win the Palme d'Or'
The same thing that anybody would feel who takes part in a competition - the consummation of a wish.

How did you celebrate'
With friends and some wine.

How did it affect your career'
Not at all.

Did it make it easier to attract funding for subsequent projects'
Contrary to what one would have thought, financing of my next projects proved more difficult than before winning. It could however be that that is the result of changes in the film production patterns in Europe where it would seem that, more and more, the tendency is to favour what, in financial terms, is considered a product.

Which director would you give an all-time Palme d'Or to'
Welles, Murnau, Dreyer.

Where do you keep your Palme d'Or'
In my office.

What have been the most important shifts in the industry during your career'
Cinema is not in advance of the public any more. It follows. Serious film criticism is slowly dying. I cannot foresee what the cinema will be like tomorrow, the course seems uncertain.

How do you see the role of festivals changing'
Festivals seem to follow what we would call the 'mood of the times'.