As predictable as the sun rising are protests at the Cannes Film Festival, or should we say the Cannes protest fest. Women's rights (or lack thereof) and geopolitical topics ruled this year's Festival. And to be honest, the protests have become more interesting and meaningful then the Palm Awards given out.
This year was the always present, women's rights protests. Hundreds of women set off smoke flares on the red carpet to highlight their outrage at sexual violence against women. Several in the protest group disrobed to reveal the message 'stop raping us'.
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| Women protesting on red carpet at Cannes |
There were also pro-Ukraine protests which is headshaking given that the only people really pushing for peace is the Trump Administration.
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| Protester breaking up the red-carpet festivities |
Another, larger protest, was the festival workers protesting against the Cannes Festival over low wages and work benefits. The workers belong to an unofficial workers' union called the 'Precarious Film Festival Workers' Collective'. Hundreds of Festival workers protested for a regular income and overtime pay. As for the Festival's management, Thierry Fremaux, the Festival's head honcho, said "negotiations were on-going with the collective and the festival has engaged directly with them on their issues." Hmmm...sounds like he's placating.
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| Festival workers want more pay and benefits |
The protest that brought in the most support was the pro-Palestinian (aka anti-Israel) one, where thousands gathered to show their support.
Geopolitics seems to be at the top of most protest agendas. For example, the film 'Bearing Witness', was abruptly canceled. Only 47 minutes in length the film showed raw footage of the attack against Israel on October 7th.
And the beat goes on. It seems that the protests have become a larger part of the Cannes gala then the highlighted and awarded films. But, then again, it should be totally expected give the times we are living in.
By: Jim Lavorato
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