Venice’s jury president Damien Chazelle: He shows support for the Hollywood strike

Venice jury president Damien Chazelle
He shows support for Hollywood strike

The Venice Film Festival started this Wednesday (August 30th). The jury president of this year’s film festival is “La La Land” and “Babylon” maker Damien Chazelle (38). At the first press conference, the director and screenwriter showed his solidarity with the ongoing double strike by writers and actors in Hollywood, firstly by wearing a T-shirt that read “Writers Guild on Strike” (Writers Guild of America is the writers’ union) .

Second, he explained According to Variety in a statement, “I think there’s a core premise that every work of art has intrinsic value, that it’s not just a piece of content – to use Hollywood’s favorite word – that’s being put into a pipeline. And I think that fundamental idea of ​​how art is made and how art can be made sustainable for the people who make it has been pretty much eroded over the last decade.” There are many issues with the strikes, but for him this is the main point. “It’s really about the idea that people are being compensated for every piece of art they make, and whether we can find a way to keep and bring back that idea – art over content.”

Fewer stars at the Lido

Chazelle continued: “I think we’re just here to recognize that this fight goes on and that’s why a lot of people who would have loved to have been at this festival aren’t able to be here.” It’s obviously a difficult time in Hollywood, especially for working writers, actors, but also for the crew. “Everyone is affected by the current world situation. I just wanted to find a way to reflect that as we celebrate the art of cinema here.” Due to the strike by the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA, significantly fewer prominent actors from US productions are expected at the Lido.

The 80th Venice Film Festival ends on September 9th. A total of 23 titles compete for the “Golden Lion” main prize. This includes “Priscilla” by “Lost in Translation” filmmaker Sofia Coppola (52).

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