Jordan Firstman whipped out something unexpected at the Cannes Film Festival — pure sincerity, with his triumphant directorial debut “Club Kid.” The movie premiered to instant acclaim from movie critics and a hugely-enthusiastic six minute standing ovation from the audience inside the Théâtre Claude Debussy, during which Firstman cried, kissed co-star Diego Calva and lifted up his younger co-star to big cheers from the crowd.
Playing in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival, “Club Kid” follows a washed-up New York City party promoter who is forced to turn his life around when an unexpected visitor arrives. Beyond Firstman, the comedy-drama also stars Cara Delevingne, Diego Calva, Miss Benny and newcomers Reggie Absolom and Eldar Isgandarov.
Firstman is largely known as a comedian and social personality who lives unapologetically — young, gay, ravenous for substances, sex and human connection. With “Club Kid,” he proved to the premiere audience that he’s got depth beyond a New York City dance dungeon.
Before the screening, he got the crowd riled up with laugher inside the theater by introducing the movie and joking about the Debussy theaters name. The director and star quipped: “What an honor to play in the Debussy theater. I love Debussy. I can’t get enough of the Debussy. I could live in Debussy. And I can’t wait for my film to screen in Debussy.”
