Demonstrators chant in front of Venice: “No rape culture” Screening of Woody Allen’s “Coup de Chance”
A group of about 20 people chanted Monday before the premiere of Woody Allen’s “Coup de Chance” at the Venice Film Festival. As people watched the film at the Palazzo del Cinema, the group shouted various slogans, such as “No spotlight for raping directors” and “The alpha male doesn’t exist.”
Film and TV reviewer Luke Hearfield shared a flyer from protesters on twitter. The bold text reads: “They would never allow those involved in the violence in Palermo, Caivano and Milano to walk the red carpet”, alluding to a Series of gang rapes they have confused Italians in recent weeks.
The leaflet also states: “Patriarchal society believes in the artist genius and not in those who have been sexually abused.”
Allen’s daughter Dylan Farrow accused the director of sexually abusing her in 1992. He denies the allegations to this day. The alleged sexual abuse has divided Allen’s fans and critics for the past few decades, and Allen himself has accused his ex-wife Mia Farrow of teaching her daughter to speak out against him.
In 1993, the judge in the custody case between Allen and Farrow ruled that the children should live exclusively with their mother, and accused the therapists who interviewed Dylan of “being shaped by their loyalty to Mr. Allen.” The director continues to be supported by a number of entertainment friends including Diane Keatonas well as Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem.
“Today we denounce the culture of places like the Venice International Film Festival,” the leaflet concludes, “which should instill a culture of approval, respect and belief in those who have been sexually abused, but instead advocate for it.” choose to continue to legitimize rape culture.” ”
The protesters formed a line and removed their shirts before beginning their chants as Allen walked the red carpet. Authorities escorted the group away from the premiere minutes later.
This year’s festival has been rocked by controversy. In addition to Allen’s latest work, the festival also screened Roman Polanski’s latest film The Palace. Polanski has evaded American charges of unlawful sex with a minor since 1976.
On Saturday, Polanski’s collaborator and producer Luca Barbareschi defended the director. “I don’t think he’s ever raped anyone,” Barbareschi said. “He was a very sexy man and women were after him.”
