Protesters gather ahead of the Venice premiere of Woody Allen’s Coup de Chance – The Hollywood Reporter
A group of protesters demonstrating against the Venice Film Festival’s so-called “rape culture” marched during the world premiere of ” Woody Allens coup de chance.
The group of about 20 shouted slogans like “No rape culture”; “We speak for those who have no voice against the directors’ predators”; “A rapist is not a sick man, he is the sane son of patriarchy”; “No Spotlight for Rape Directors”; and “The alpha male does not exist.”
The protesters began their demonstration as Allen walked the red carpet of his film. They stopped just beyond the carpet, formed a line, and took off their shirts before continuing to sing.
The demonstration lasted only a few minutes before they were led out of the festival site by the police. One of the protesters, who called herself Melania, recounted The Hollywood Reporter They were protesting “the rape culture of this festival celebrating men accused of assault while we have an epidemic of femicide in our country.”
The Venice Film Festival has come under criticism this year for showing films by directors accused of sexual assault, including Allen and Roman Polanski, their new feature The palace shown at the weekend.
The demonstration comes a day after banners reading “Island of Rapists”, “No Golden Lion for Predators” and “Sexist Cinema/Feminist Reaction” were put up around the Lido on Sunday to protest Allen and Polanski.
A banner displayed at the festival accused the festival of being “80 years behind” as the Biennale celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Another asked, “Will the Golden Lion go to a rapist?” referring to Polanskis The palace, It’s about the main prize of the festival.
Christy Piña contributed to this story.
