Greta Gerwig Attends Cannes Amidst Spotlight on France's #MeToo Movement
At the Cannes Film Festival, Greta Gerwig, the festival president and acclaimed director known for her 2022 film "Barbie," attended the premiere of "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" on Wednesday night. The event also saw the presence of Judith Godrèche, director of the short film "Moi Aussi," and her daughter Tess Barthelemy.
Judith and her daughter made a poignant statement on the red carpet by covering their mouths with their hands, symbolizing silencing. This act was aimed at promoting Judith's #MeToo-themed short film, "Moi Aussi," which highlights the stories of sexual violence victims. The 17-minute film premiered at Cannes and marks another significant moment in Judith's involvement in France's #MeToo movement. Judith accused directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager, allegations that both directors have denied.
Last week, the French parliament decided to create a commission of inquiry to investigate sexual and gender-based violence in the cinema and other cultural sectors, following a series of recent allegations. This follows concerns that the Cannes Film Festival might be overshadowed by claims of sexual assault, with rumors circulating about an "explosive" list of male film actors alleged to have committed sexual abuse.
Greta Gerwig, dressed in a red Armani Prive gown, emphasized the importance of the #MeToo conversation in Cannes. She noted the progress made in the American film community and expressed hope that similar strides will continue in France. Greta is joined on the festival jury by notable figures, including Eva Green, J.A. Bayona, and Lily Gladstone.
Lily Gladstone, star of "Killers of the Flower Moon," commented on her own struggle with imposter syndrome amidst her responsibilities as a jury member, highlighting the high-stakes atmosphere surrounding the festival.
Eva Green and other jury members, including Omar Sy, Nadine Labaki, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Ebru Ceylan, and Pierfrancesco Favino, also graced the red carpet, making the event a blend of cinematic celebration and social advocacy.