Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar has used a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival to issue a strongly worded political message, declaring that “Europe must never be subjected to Trump” while also urging artists to speak out on contemporary social and political issues.
The director, who attended the event wearing a “Free Palestine” pin, received applause from international journalists during the discussion of his latest film ‘Bitter Christmas’. He was speaking at a Cannes press conference on Wednesday when he made the comments.
Almodóvar stated that artists have a responsibility to engage with the world around them. “I don’t want to judge anyone, but I think artists have to speak out about the situation in which they live in contemporary society. It’s a moral duty,” he said.
He also addressed wider tensions in the European media and film industry, referencing ongoing controversy surrounding media ownership and influence in France. According to reporting from Cannes, audiences have recently reacted strongly at screenings when the Canal+ logo appears, with one journalist describing the broadcaster as “right-wing media”.
The director responded further by warning against silence in the face of political pressure. “Silence is an expression of fear,” he said. “They’re a symptom that things are going really badly. It’s a serious sign that democracy is crumbling. Creators must speak out.”
He continued by stressing the importance of artistic responsibility and free expression. “The worst thing to happen to us is to stay silent or to be censored. We have a moral obligation to speak out about all these things,” he added.
Almodóvar also broadened his remarks to global politics, saying, “We need to turn against Netanyahu. In Europe, we have laws, there are certain limits. We have to act as a shield against this madness.”
