Venice Film Festival boss Alberto Barbera has defended his decision to include new films by disgraced directors Woody Allen, Roman Polanski and Luc Besson, stating that he is “a festival director, not a judge.”
The 80th Venice Film Festival announced its impressive line-up yesterday, which includes some of the most anticipated films of the year. However, some inclusions have already sparked controversy and, for many, stand out for the wrong reasons.
The prestigious festival is set to headline films directed by Woody Allen and Roman Polanski, despite calls for the directors to not be included in major filmgoing events, due to their histories of sexual misconduct accusations.
At best, it’s a bold statement to separate the art from the artist; at worst, it’s an endorsement of abusive behaviour.
Allen’s film Coup de Chance, a thriller entirely in French, will premiere at the festival, regardless of the director being accused of sexual abuse against his adopted daughter in 1992, allegations for which he was never charged and which he has denied.
Polanski’s film, The Palace, will also screen Out of Competition, despite the director being accused of sexual assault of a minor in 1977. Upon learning that he would be sentenced to prison time in the US, Polanski fled to Europe and the judge decided years later to dismiss the charges against him.
