Engines of society - Roxanne Peguet

Mid-July. Even though the numerous grey clouds are trying otherwise, it is summer. But little setbacks like this never stopped Roxanne Peguet before, and today will be no different. When she wants the perfect scene, she gets it. Roxanne is a passionate driver, and the electric vehicle she is about to test mirrors her own journey—a journey fuelled by a love for the road and a quest for emotional storytelling. Roxanne Peguet is driving change on and off the screen.

Roxanne's co-star today is the new Volkswagen ID.7. The ID.7's sleek design and innovative features resonate with her artistic sensibilities, while its performance capabilities cater to her love for driving. The Volkswagen ID.7 is not just a car; it's a statement of intent. It represents Volkswagen's commitment to a sustainable future, combining cutting-edge technology with an environmentally friendly design. The ID.7 is powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, which can be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes using a fast charger. This quick charging capability ensures that long trips are not hindered by lengthy charging times.

The first leg of our journey takes us to the Filmland Studios in Kehlen. Time and time again, Roxanne's professional path leads her back here – only just recently while working as a coach behind the scenes of the set of a feature film set in the 60s. On the way there, we jump right into the subject matter: about the various aspects of working in film as a young woman, what it means to produce and direct your own short films, and about the film landscape in Luxembourg. As soon as we pull up at the studios, Roxanne is greeted by a passer-by. One thing becomes clear: Roxanne is very well known here; she is at home in film. "I love being on set. I love every aspect of it, " she explains gleefully.

Storytelling: an emotional drive

Roxanne's passion for filmmaking began at an early age. "I was always fascinated by stories, " she recalls. "As a child, I would spend hours watching movies and imagining the worlds within them. I wanted to understand people, their motivations, their fears, and their dreams. Film became my way of exploring these emotions and sharing them with others."

Roxanne's early career involved a variety of roles that allowed her to immerse herself in the world of cinema. She started as an assistant on productions, learning the ropes and gaining invaluable experience. "Those early days were crucial, " she reflects. "I got to see every aspect of filmmaking, from the technical details to the creative decisions. It was a comprehensive education."

"Actually, funnily enough, driving was my first job in film!" Roxanne tells me excitedly. Driving a lot and driving lots of different cars: from luxurious limousines to equipment vans. "Someone hands you the keys and off you go. A little like today!" she jokes.

As we get back on the road, leaving Filmland behind us, Roxanne's love for driving becomes – once more – evident in her demeanour. She speaks of the road with the kind of reverence one might reserve for a trusted friend. "For me, driving is more than just a means to get from point A to point B. It's a meditative experience, a time to reflect and find clarity. There's a sense of freedom that comes with it—a feeling that anything is possible."

When asked what driving means to Roxanne, she talks about the summers spent in the car traveling all the way to Portugal with her family as a kid: "It's a kind of nostalgia for me. I hold those memories very dear." About the feeling of freedom, when she first got her driver's license, too. "When you sit alone in the car for a long time, you can think freely, " she says, "I have had so many meaningful moments with friends in the car. When you get home and keep sitting in the car for a few hours outside of your house talking. All the discussions, all the laughter, all the tears. It's like we are in our own little bubble, in our little world."

This passion for the open road makes the Volkswagen ID.7 an ideal match for Roxanne. The ID.7, Volkswagen's latest addition to its electric vehicle line-up, is designed for those who love to drive. Its advanced technology and impressive range make it a perfect companion for long drives. The ID.7 boasts a range of over 600 km on a single charge, making it perfect for the kind of spontaneous road trips Roxanne loves. "The range is incredible, " she notes. "It means I can drive for hours without worrying about finding a charging station. It's liberating."

Moreover, the ID.7's advanced driver-assistance systems provide an added layer of safety and convenience, allowing Roxanne to focus on the joy of driving. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the driving experience without intruding on it.

For most, her breakthrough came with her film "Nucléaire, " a gripping drama that premiered at the Luxembourg City Film Festival. The film received widespread acclaim for its intense storytelling and powerful performances. "Nucléaire" was praised for its nuanced exploration of complex human relationships and emotional depth, showcasing Roxanne's ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Following this success, Roxanne continued to build her filmography with projects that pushed the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Her next significant work, "Phoenix, " delved into themes of rebirth and resilience, exploring the transformative journey of its protagonist. The film was celebrated for its raw portrayal of personal struggle and triumph, further establishing Roxanne as a filmmaker committed to portraying authentic human experiences.

Her work continuously highlights her ability to delve into diverse subjects while maintaining a consistent focus on the emotional core of her stories. Roxanne's dedication to exploring the full spectrum of human emotions and her skilful storytelling continue to captivate audiences and push the limits of cinematic expression.

The ID.7's state-of-the-art infotainment system could also play a role in Roxanne's creative process. The intuitive touchscreen interface, coupled with voice-activated controls, allows her to stay connected and entertained while on the move. "Music is a big part of my creative process, " she explains. The ID.7's sound system is phenomenal, providing the perfect soundtrack for Roxanne's journey.

A legacy of innovation

For Roxanne, it has always been clear: she wants to make art. She learned how to operate a camera at the Uelzechtkanal in the Lycée des Garçons in Esch. That's where she fell in love with the mise en scene, specifically that of her protagonists. She loves to put people in the focus, or rather the spotlight. Where this love stems from? "It's not a conscious choice, a decision. I simply can't do it differently. People are interesting, everyone has a story to tell, " she explains. "My inspiration often is the grey areas within ourselves and with others. What makes you a good person? What makes you a bad one? Where is the line? What is the limit? And how far are you willing to go?"

Her motivation? One component is to ultimately drive the stories forward that she wants to tell, but also to show and represent Luxembourg, Luxembourg as a setting. Have Luxembourg become an integral part of the story. "You and me, we didn't have that growing up. There was nothing on TV or at the movies that was based in Luxembourg. That depicted the life we were leading. When I was young, I always had to watch American movies to see my generation, that's a shame, I couldn't find myself, my life represented anywhere on screen. It just didn't exist. I want to change that!" Roxanne raves.

Roxanne is aware that this is a massive task: "It won't happen all at once, but it's starting to happen now. Little by little. Why not make movies like other countries? Why not have a series like Friends based in Luxembourg? With the locals, the expats, plurilingual, set in spots that you know and recognize. Depicting the life we know?" When asked why this hasn't happened yet, Roxanne exclaims without an ounce of doubt: "Out of fear. People fear that the distribution won't be big enough, that our market is too small. But we have proof that it works abroad. We need more popular cinema. Not just beautiful cinema, but cinema that shows reality. We need to have more courage; we need to dare!"

And with that, we are fully on our way to our second stop: Luxembourg City's Grund. As Roxanne takes the wheel of the ID.7, it's clear that this is more than just a car; it's an extension of her lifestyle and philosophy.

Roxanne actually is from the Minett region, that's where she was raised and where she lived for many years. Many of her films not only have the red rock region as a backdrop, it is often as integral to the story as the main characters. But, today, "de Gronn ass main Doheem" ("Grund is my home"), she expresses lovingly while adding: "It is one of the most picturesque places in Luxembourg. I often have to pinch myself and remind me how lucky we are to live here. But it hasn't lost its charm. It's not schickimicki, like other places in Luxembourg City. It's still real." No wonder she has made this the set and the scenes to her life.

The car's aerodynamic design reduces drag, improving efficiency and performance. This, coupled with its lightweight construction, allows the ID.7 to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. "The handling is superb, " Roxanne enthuses while driving down the tiny streets of Luxembourg's old town. "It feels agile and responsive, making every drive a pleasure."

Inside, the ID.7 offers a blend of comfort and sophistication. The spacious interior, crafted from sustainable materials, reflects Volkswagen's commitment to eco-friendly practices. The seats are ergonomically designed, providing support and comfort even on long journeys. "It's like driving in a luxury lounge, " Roxanne says with a smile. "Everything is designed with the driver in mind."

The road ahead

Also, Roxanne's decision to pursue filmmaking was driven by her fascination with human emotions and the art of storytelling. "I wanted to tell stories that mattered, stories that could touch people's hearts and make them see the world in a different light, " she explains. "Film is a powerful medium—it allows us to explore the depths of human experience in ways that few other forms of art can."

"Emotions are the essence of life, " Roxanne says, her eyes reflecting the intensity of her words. "They are what makes us human, what connects us to one another. In my films, I strive to capture those fleeting moments of vulnerability, joy, sorrow, and love. That's what drives me."

As Roxanne continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, the ID.7 provides her with the perfect platform to explore new horizons. The car's innovative features and sustainable design align with her vision of a future where technology and creativity go hand in hand.

Volkswagen has long been a pioneer in the automotive industry, and the ID.7 is a testament to its commitment to innovation. The car is part of Volkswagen's ID. family, a series of electric vehicles designed to make sustainable mobility accessible to all. The ID.7 stands out with its combination of style, performance, and practicality, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicles.

The car's digital cockpit is a marvel of modern technology. The customizable digital display provides all the information the driver needs at a glance, while the augmented reality head-up display projects important data onto the windshield, ensuring that the driver's attention remains focused on the road. "It's like having a co-pilot, " Roxanne remarks.

Despite her success, Roxanne doesn't see herself as a role model. "I rather want to open doors. Show what's possible. That's more useful, " she jokes. And she is far from done. "You need to question yourself, don't be too easily content with your work. You can always do better, " she says.

When asked if she ever will be done or what the moment will look like where we can be content, she gives a one-word answer: "Never. It's never enough for me. You always have other things to do. Set yourself higher goals. My highest goal is to someday look back and say I was happy. But for now, my main goal is that young people recognize themselves in my films. I want to hear 'hey we finally saw each other in a movie.' Representation matters. To see each other, to recognize each other. This also applies to the topics I want to talk about, " she says convincingly.

So, what's next for Roxanne? Roxanne reports with fire in her eyes that she already is knee-deep in her next short film "miamoi." The plot? At an afterparty, Mia decides with the help of her friends that she wants to transition from woman to man. "miamoi" is a deeply personal project that delves into themes of identity, transformation, and self-discovery and promises to be a powerful exploration of the complexities of gender identity, a topic that is both timely and deeply resonant in today's society. Roxanne approaches the subject with her characteristic sensitivity and emotional depth, ensuring that the film will not only tell Mia's story but also invite audiences to reflect on their own understanding of identity and acceptance. The film's narrative is expected to challenge conventional norms and inspire conversations about the fluidity of gender and the courage it takes to live one's truth.

Production for "miamoi" has just started, with a planned release in 2025. The anticipation surrounding this project is palpable, as it marks another bold step in Roxanne's career. Known for her ability to portray authentic human experiences, Roxanne is once again set to deliver a film that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally compelling.

As Roxanne Peguet embarks on this new cinematic adventure, the Volkswagen ID.7 has proven to be a reliable partner by her side, providing the freedom and inspiration she needs to create her next masterpiece. The car's blend of advanced technology, sustainable design, and exceptional performance makes it the perfect partner for a filmmaker who is driven by emotion and creativity.

In the end, it is this synergy between Roxanne and the ID.7 that truly stands out. Both are pioneers in their respective fields, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. The ID.7 is not just a car; it's a symbol of innovation, freedom, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

After an afternoon of sharing her passion for her job, Roxanne reflects on whether she will ever do anything but film, though the answer seems pretty clear: "Film has my entire heart. So, no. I don't think so. In any case, as long as I can make art, I'm happy, " she replies.

As she drives off into the horizon, one can't help but feel that this is just the beginning of a remarkable journey—one where the road is filled with stories waiting to be told, and the destination is limited only by the imagination.