- In view of the criticism generated by the festival in awarding Johnny Depp, together with the association (H)emen have created a space for debate to reflect and reflect on gender equality.
Zinemaldia announced on August 8 that he would award the Donostia Prize of the 69th San Sebastian Festival to American actor Johnny Depp. Associations of women filmmakers and political parties denounced the election, as Depp has received allegations of ill-treatment of her former woman and refused to accept her. The festival has also received many criticisms through social networks for the decision made by the organization.
For this reason, the Association of Women in the Audiovisual and Performing Arts of the Basque Country (H)emen and the San Sebastian Festival have decided to hold a debate on the ethical code of the festival. The Festival wants to reflect and listen to the opinions of the associations that are against, and for that they have created the day of debate.
It is a space for reflection on issues related to gender equality, which aims to generate opportunities to reach public and consensual agreements and commitments. The director of (H)emene, Lara Izagirre, said: “We women live the hardest consequences of the current crises, as Simone de Beauvoir warned us. It is a critical moment for us, and from the partnership (H)emen we believe it is necessary to debate and reflect. We would like to thank you for giving you the opportunity to share our way of seeing the world and the reflections on the latest decisions made by the Festival. But above all, we want to be part of the decisions to be made. We firmly believe that feminist thinking and debate can bring new horizons and spaces for consensus to create a more egalitarian and diverse Festival. A safe place for women in film, a place that best represents society.”
In the words of the director of the San Sebastian Festival, “there is a separation between people and collectives, but I think we all have common goals. The aim of this day is to discuss time and calmness, try to make compromises and set a timetable for conclusions.”
The working day will be part of the activities of Thought and debate. The Festival was created last year as a space for knowledge, creation and transmission. In addition, a permanent working table for effective equality will be set up and will meet quarterly.