Opening Night Criticism and Tribute at the 78th Cannes Film Festival
Cannes, France: The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off on Tuesday with a strong political statement from actor Robert De Niro, who received an honorary Palme d’Or, and a moving tribute to Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna.
Robert De Niro’s Speech Against Donald Trump
At 81 years old and with a career spanning over four decades, including two Academy Awards, Robert De Niro delivered a powerful speech against President Donald Trump. Receiving the honorary Palme d’Or from Leonardo DiCaprio in front of a standing audience, De Niro emphasized the inclusive nature of art and its role in promoting freedom and diversity.
“The art is inclusive, it unites people, as it does tonight. Art seeks liberty and embraces diversity,” De Niro declared, asserting that artists pose a threat to autocrats and fascists worldwide. He referred to Trump as a “Philistine president,” reaffirming his stance amidst concerns in the audiovisual sector regarding Trump’s recent announcement of a 100% tariff on non-US produced film productions.
Tribute to Palestinian Photojournalist Fatima Hassouna
Juliette Binoche, the president of this year’s jury, paid tribute to Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna. Hassouna, who should have been present at the festival, tragically passed away shortly after her documentary “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” was selected for the ACID section of Cannes.
Binoche highlighted Hassouna’s powerful testimony and the importance of art in preserving dreams. She also addressed the ongoing violence in Gaza, mentioning the 7th of October attack by Islamist militants that resulted in 1,218 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 people, with 34 still unaccounted for in Gaza.
Over 380 Cinema Personalities Condemn Gaza War
In the days leading up to the gala, over 380 film industry personalities, including Pedro Almodóvar, Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, Alfonso Cuarón, Javier Bardem, and Costa-Gavras, signed an open letter denouncing the war in Gaza. The letter referenced Hassouna’s tragedy and questioned the role of artists if they fail to learn from history and protect oppressed voices.
“The festival becomes political when artists are,” Thierry Frémaux, the delegate general of Cannes, reminded the press.
Glamorous Red Carpet and Gérard Depardieu’s Sentencing
The festival opened with a lavish red carpet event, culminating in the traditional staircase entrance to the Palais. Notable attendees included director Quentin Tarantino, model Heidi Klum, actresses Eva Longoria and Julia Garner, and Rossy de Palma.
Coincidentally, the opening ceremony coincided with the sentencing of French actor Gérard Depardieu in Paris. Accused by multiple women of sexual assault and lewd behavior, Depardieu was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence. The court found him guilty of sexually assaulting an interior designer and an assistant director during a 2021 film shoot.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the main topic of discussion at the opening of the 78th Cannes Film Festival? – The main topics were Robert De Niro’s criticism of Donald Trump and the tribute to Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna.
- Who received the honorary Palme d’Or, and who presented it to him? – Robert De Niro received the honorary Palme d’Or, presented by Leonardo DiCaprio.
- What was the reason for the tribute to Fatima Hassouna? – Hassouna was honored posthumously after her death shortly following the selection of her documentary in a Cannes side event.
- What concerns were raised by the film industry regarding Donald Trump’s tariff announcement? – The concerns revolved around the potential negative impact of a 100% tariff on non-US produced film productions.
- Who signed the open letter condemning the war in Gaza, and what was their message? – Over 380 film industry personalities, including well-known directors and actors, signed the letter. Their message emphasized the role of artists in learning from history and protecting oppressed voices.
- What was Gérard Depardieu sentenced for, and what was the outcome? – Depardieu was found guilty of sexually assaulting a decorator and an assistant director. He received an 18-month suspended prison sentence.
