Is #MeToo Fading Away?

The 77th Cannes Film Festival opened with anticipation for a renewed #metoo movement that has finally been gaining momentum in France. There have even been rumors of Mediapart releasing a #metoo exposé on ten notable entertainment industry people, as stated by Deadline. This is all unfolding a few weeks after actor Gérard Depardieu was detained by the police for yet another sexual assault charge on a film set, as reported by the LA Times. With all this at play, what is happening in Cannes is intriguing.

A Certain Perspective

Director Judith Godrèche got into the festival’s selection Un Certain Regardwith her short film “Moi Aussi”, a testament to women who have survived sexual misconduct and assault. The screening was followed by a symbolic act of women in the entertainment industry standing on the stairs of the Grand Palais with their hands covering their mouths.

Interestingly enough, two days prior to the screening, Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s director, told reporters that he was hoping for an edition “without polemics (…) because we should keep the focus on the films” (more on Variety).

Special Guests

But what would be a “polemic-free” Cannes Film Festival? The question arises when we note that previously canceled Shia LaBeouf (sued for sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress), James Franco (accused by five women of sexually exploitative behavior) and Bill Murray (charged with misbehavior on set) strut the Croisette, apparently guilt-free. 

Retrocession

Variety issued an interesting piece called “Is Anyone Canceled in Cannes?” that makes one reflect on why the entertainment business is failing to adopt new work ethics.

Let’s not forget that the film and TV industry has an immense responsibility to influence behaviors, set examples, and change standards. If it welcomes back people who hurt other people in a professional environment, what message does it send to all other industries that have zero spotlights, press access, or inspirational power? 

The Awful Truth 

With all this in mind, we must not cannot ignore some key facts. Because there is something much larger at play when the Supreme Court of New York overturns Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction (The New York Times). Not only his case incited the #metoo movement to be widely spread out but Harvey was, for decades, a fixture at the Cannes Film Festival. 

Let's not allow the #metoo movement to fade away, like the ending credits of a forgetful movie.

Laura