In the politically quiet environment of the Cannes Film Festival, Cate Blanchett's dress was embraced by many as an abstract symbol of solidarity with Palestine. However, the lack of public support for peace at this prestigious event is notable, especially as the current silence contrasts with past years.
Even this particular example, if it's one at all, is oblique. At this time, it's unclear whether Jean Paul Gaultier's dress for her was actually the Australian actress' way of showing support. Her dress's black front, pink back, and green lining allude to the Palestinian flag, but Blanchett is noncommittal about whether her political expression is a subtext to her fashion statement. Not yet.
But the social media uproar over the dress underscores the prevailing silence at Cannes over the Israel-Gaza war.
Few celebrities have shown signs of solidarity. Lupin Star Omar Sy, who is also one of the festival's jurors, recently posted on Instagram: “Nothing justifies the killing of children in Gaza. Or anywhere.'' Meanwhile, French-Algerian actress Leila Bekhti designed a watermelon seed pattern, a symbol of Palestinian resistance. She was wearing a heart-shaped pin.
Meanwhile, solidarity with Israel has become more pronounced by those on the other side of the spectrum. Laura Blasiman Kadar, a French-Israeli survivor of the Oct. 7 Nova Festival massacre by Hamas, attended an event last week wearing a yellow dress with the faces of captive hostages painted on it. did. Meanwhile, she had “Bring Them Home” written on her obi.
Aside from a few isolated examples, you'd be hard-pressed to find any political commentary related to Israel/Gaza at Cannes, Palestinian solidarity or otherwise. It's unlike other recent movie events, such as the Academy Awards, where several actors and filmmakers appeared on the red carpet wearing red Artists4Ceasefire pins.
Guests at the Cannes Film Festival rarely make public political statements, but the festival has brought together celebrities to express support for Palestine in the past. In 2018, Palestinian filmmaker Anne-Marie Jacir led a rally in solidarity with the 60 people killed during protests in Gaza.
The “Stand In Solidarity” rally was attended by some of Mr. Jacir's associates, including Hollywood actor Benicio del Toro, Russian director Kantemir Balagov, French actress Virginie Ledoyen, and Telluride Film Festival artistic director Julie Hunsinger. Several judges participated.
The group was attended by more than 200 audience members, including Arab filmmakers, Lena Bukhari, Director of Film at the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, and Mohanad Yakubi, Curator of Public Programs at the Palestinian Film Institute. The group clasped hands and held a minute's silence in honor of the dead.
At Cannes that year, Lebanese actress Manal Issa attended the premiere. Solo: A Star Wars Story, They held up placards that read “Stop the attack on Gaza.'' Issa was also joined by filmmakers Etienne Carros and Gaya Gigi.
However, this year, that is hardly the case. The lack of political voice at Cannes is profound and even jarring, but there are several reasons for this silence.
For some, not speaking up can be an act of self-censorship. Cannes is not only a place to watch movies, but also a place for potential sales with screenings of many independent projects. Some believe that when stars speak out about high-profile issues, they can jeopardize the financial success of a project or divert the conversation away from the art itself. This became especially evident following the backlash British director Jonathan Glazer received after criticizing Israel's attack on Gaza in his Oscar acceptance speech.
There are also legal ramifications for large-scale protests. For at least the past two festivals, French authorities have also banned demonstrations in coastal areas where the festival's core events are held.
And festival organizers urge that their platform not be used for political purposes. At a pre-festival press conference, Cannes director Thierry Frémaux insisted that he wanted this year's festival to be “controversial-free.”
“The main interest in all of us coming here is the movie, so it doesn't matter to us if there are other controversies,” Fremaux said. He spoke not only of the Israel-Gaza war, but also of human rights abuses in the French film industry and increasing reports of workers planning wage protests at Cannes and other French film festivals. Was.
The festival has also beefed up security, said general secretary François Delsaux. variety “We've had 15 security briefings this year, compared to four or five last year. This is a very serious issue.”
According to the article, the festival “originally followed a plan for Arab filmmakers to wear pins to show support for the besieged Palestinians in Gaza.” However, the festival later withdrew and said, [the pins]”
However, the history of the festival shows how this apolitical sentiment is a highly selective one, and perhaps only carrying out a political stance will have minimal impact.
For example, organizers of the 2022 Cannes Film Festival banned the Russian delegation from attending in response to the invasion of Ukraine. That year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprise appearance at the opening ceremony via satellite from Kiev.
“On February 24, Russia launched a major war against Ukraine with the aim of expanding into Europe,” Zelenskiy said. “Will cinema remain silent or will it talk about it? Even if there are dictators, even if there is a war for freedom, it all depends on our unity. Cinema is about this one thing. Is it possible to break free from sexuality? We need a new Chaplin to prove that cinema is not silent these days.
It was a powerful and moving speech that gave a sense of purpose to the pompous ceremony. That said, last year's festival did not seem to be accommodating to Ukrainian unity. According to various reports, Mr. Zelenskyy was aiming to make a new statement at the festival, but it was prohibited. Ukrainian influencer Ilona Chernovai was also kicked out of the festival for wearing a blue and yellow gown reflecting her country's flag and wearing fake blood to protest Russian aggression.
The festival also takes a clear stance against the Iranian government. In December 2022, Cannes issued a statement calling for the release of actress Taraneh Alidosti, one of the most prominent figures arrested during months of Iranian protests. Most recently, director Mohammad Rasoulof fled Iran just days after being sentenced to eight years in prison on national security charges. Rasourov's Sacred Fig Seed It is currently in competition at Cannes.
Cannes issued a statement after reports surfaced that he would be attending a screening of the film at the festival. “We are particularly touched by the welcome [Rasoulof] I'm here as a filmmaker,” Frémaux told AFP. “Our joy is to all those participating in the festival and to all freedom-loving Iranians. I would like to reaffirm my support for the festival.”
Frémaux's comments seem contradictory and seem to reaffirm that Cannes' apolitical position depends on the circumstances of the issue. And the silence that reigns at Cannes is still a statement in itself.
This head-on tactic has been disappointing to many, given the apparent lack of Palestinian participation in the festival's program.
Movies are a reflection of life. These festivals and other cultural events cannot truly celebrate the arts unless they acknowledge the world's issues in real time.
With people around the world desperately protesting for peace after tens of thousands of deaths, now is not the time to wait for a movie.
Published: May 22, 2024, 2:12 p.m.
