Kristen Stewart Says She Had to Leave the US to Fund Directorial Debut 'The Chronology of Water'

Arjun

Kristen Stewart Says She Had to Leave the US to Fund Directorial Debut 'The Chronology of Wat...webp

Los Angeles, May 19 – Kristen Stewart revealed the challenges she faced in securing financing for her directorial debut The Chronology of Water, which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

The film, led by actor Imogen Poots, is an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's 2011 memoir. Speaking at the Hyde Beach by Campari event hosted by Breaking Through Lens — a non-profit supporting marginalized filmmakers — Stewart shared that she had to seek funding outside the United States.

"We had to leave the United States (and go to Europe) to make this possible," Stewart said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "The list of women and men (actors) that can finance a movie in the entertainment industry are so beyond me. They change so quickly and I don't understand them at all."

Known for her roles in The Twilight Saga and Clouds of Sils Maria, the 35-year-old actor-director spoke during a conversation with musician and co-star Kim Gordon. She mentioned that although she didn't see herself as the right choice to act in Chronology, she remains open to performing in her future directorial ventures.

"I would love to (act) in something I direct, and I will do it soon, I hope. I feel like I am watching my kid (referring to her first directorial) in kindergarten like, ‘Look at her go!'," Stewart added.

During the event, Simbelle Productions founder Lauren Melinda announced the launch of the Simbelle Impact Award — a USD 10,000 unrestricted grant to be awarded to one finalist in the next Breaking Through Lens grant cycle.

The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is set to conclude on May 24.