Introduction to the Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival, a prestigious event in the film industry, kicked off on May 13 with a powerful speech from Robert De Niro. The renowned actor criticized President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on films shot outside the United States.
De Niro’s Speech
De Niro, who received the honorary Palme d’Or, emphasized the importance of democracy and the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the arts. "In my country, we fight like hell for democracy, which we once regarded as a matter of course. And that affects all of us here because the arts are democratic. Art is integrative," he stated. He also referred to Trump’s idea of imposing 100% tariffs on imported films, saying, "You cannot have creativity, but apparently you can set a tariff on it."
A Call to Action
De Niro urged the audience to take action against these unacceptable attacks on democracy and freedom. "All of these attacks are unacceptable, and this is not just an American problem. It is a global problem. And like a film, we cannot all sit back and watch. We have to act now. Without violence, but with great passion and determination, it is time for everyone who cares about freedom to organize, protest, and make their voices heard."
Tribute to De Niro
Leonardo DiCaprio presented De Niro with the honorary Palme d’Or, praising him as "not just a big actor – he was The Actor" and "the archetype for which we all strive as actors." De Niro has a long history at the festival, including starring in the Palme d’Or-winning film "Taxi Driver" in 1976.
The Festival Begins
The festival opened with the premiere of Amélie Bonnin’s musical film "Leave a Day," featuring a brand new track by French singer Mylène Farmer that paid tribute to the late filmmaker David Lynch. The jury, led by President Juliette Binoche, also addressed serious topics such as war, climate change, and women’s rights, emphasizing the importance of artists bearing testimony to these issues.
The Jury
The 2025 jury includes a diverse range of talented individuals, including actors Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, and Alba Rohrwacher, as well as directors Hong Sangsoo, Payal Kapadia, and Carlos Reygadas. French-Moroccan writer Leïla Slimani and Congolese documentarian Dieudo Hamadi are also part of the jury. De Niro described the festival as "a marketplace of ideas, a celebration of work, and a catalyst for new projects," saying, "This is my community."
