"Almodóvar in Venice: a call for empathy and generosity in cinema"

During the Venice Film Festival, renowned filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar has once again demonstrated his commitment to social and human issues, issuing an emotional call for empathy and generosity in an increasingly polarized world. At the presentation of his new film, 'The Next Room,' Almodóvar positioned himself as a critical voice against the "hate speech" that, according to him, has invaded the current social landscape. This work, competing for the prestigious Golden Lion, addresses death and friendship, offering an intimate and reflective perspective on life and suffering. The film, inspired by Sigrid Nunez's novel "What Are You Going Through?", tells the story of the last days of a former war reporter, played by Tilda Swinton, who faces terminal cancer and decides to end her life with the company of an old friend, played by Julianne Moore. This narrative, according to Almodóvar, stands in stark contrast to the hate speech that is spreading today, offering an alternative of love and mutual support in times of crisis. During the press conference, Almodóvar spoke not only about the themes of his film but also made a strong statement regarding the situation of migrants attempting to cross borders in search of a better life. “My film is a response to those discourses,” he emphasized, recalling that many of these children and families face a hostile world and that the far-right in Spain proposes brutal and dehumanizing responses. For him, every individual has the responsibility to speak out against this kind of denialism that threatens life on the planet. Furthermore, Almodóvar openly defended euthanasia, pointing out the need for people to have the right to decide about their own existence. In this regard, he mentioned that Spain is one of the few countries that have regulated euthanasia, urging for this regulation to expand globally. "It’s terrible to have to behave like criminals for wanting to decide about our lives," lamented the director, who at 74 years old shares a deep and personal vision on death and the desire to live with dignity. The director also reflected on how this project has helped him understand better what mortality and the fragility of life mean. "Every day that passes is one day less that I have left," he confessed, but he also expressed his desire to live with optimism, recalling a dedication from writer Almudena Grandes that resonated profoundly with him: "Joy is the best form of resistance." The film's stars, Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, also shared their impressions of the work. Swinton highlighted how from the very beginning of his filmmaking career, Almodóvar has been a central figure who has reflected and celebrated diversity and authenticity in his stories. For her part, Moore emphasized the director's ability to explore the complexity of human relationships, particularly female friendship, a theme that is rarely addressed in the film industry. In addition to the powerful message of the film, the cast also includes notable names such as John Turturro, Alessandro Nivola, and Juan Diego Botto, who bring diverse perspectives to this complex narrative. The presence of these renowned actors not only enhances the film's quality but also underscores the relevance of the stories being told and how they can influence social perception. Through 'The Next Room,' Almodóvar invites the audience to reflect on themes of life and death, love and friendship, all in the context of a world that seems increasingly divided. His message of empathy and generosity resonates strongly, reminding us that, ultimately, we all share a common humanity that must be celebrated and protected. The Manchegan director, with his characteristic sensitivity and sharp gaze, shows that cinema can be a powerful vehicle for social change. As his work is presented at the Venice Film Festival, it is clear that Almodóvar remains an essential figure in the fight for humanity in art, challenging his audience to confront difficult realities and embrace the connection between people.