Washington [US], December 27: Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, known for his celebrated adaptations of Dune, has opened up about his policy of banning phones on his movie sets, emphasizing the importance of focus and presence during the creative process.
The three-time Oscar-nominated director shared his perspective on technology’s role in filmmaking, revealing that mobile phones are “absolutely forbidden” on his sets. This decision, he explained, is rooted in his belief that cinema requires deep focus and undivided attention to foster effective collaboration between cast and crew.
“Cinema is an act of presence,” Villeneuve said in an interview, as quoted by Deadline. “When a painter paints, he has to be absolutely focused on the color he’s putting on the canvas. It’s the same with the dancer when he performs a gesture.” For Villeneuve, the same principle applies to filmmaking: “As a filmmaker, you have to work with a crew, and everybody has to focus and be entirely in the present, listening to each other and building relationships.”
The Dune director explained that mobile phones serve as a major distraction to this focus. “When you say cut, you don’t want someone rushing to their phone to check Facebook,” he noted, stressing the importance of maintaining collective attention during the creative process.
Villeneuve also touched on his personal relationship with technology, acknowledging its addictive nature. “There’s something addictive about the ability to access any information, any song, any book. It’s compulsive. It’s like a drug,” he said. Despite this, the director expressed a desire to disconnect from screens entirely, describing the experience as “fresh air” and underscoring his preference for a simpler, more focused life.
Villeneuve’s thoughtful approach has been integral to his directorial process throughout his career. Following the success of his Dune adaptations—Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2023)—which grossed over USD 1.12 billion globally and earned several Academy Awards, Villeneuve is already planning the next installment of the Dune saga. He has confirmed that filming for Dune: Messiah, based on Frank Herbert’s novel, will begin in late 2025 or 2026. The film will continue exploring the expansive world of Arrakis, following the success of Dune: Part Two and the prequel series Dune: Prophecy.