In the conditions of opposition, indifference, and the capitulation of Hollywood, which has always been close to progressive voices, it is confronted with difficult selections in the era of American President Donald Trump. These changes in the USA have been strongly reflected in the discussions that took place at the Berlinale film festival this week.
Against the backdrop of world events, a new political context has emerged for several films presented at the festival. For instance, director Bong Joon-ho from South Korea presented a plot featuring a billionaire, an alluring cosmos, which is perceived as a satire on Trump and Elon Musk.
The film "Dreams" by Mexican director Michel Franco tackles the issue of immigration through the history of the Mexican ballet dancer without documents, crossing the border for her wealthy patron. Actress Jessica Chastain noted that the history is "politically curious not only because of current events in the USA but also in the whole world."
Director Todd Haynes, who heads the jury of the festival, stated that he sees no problem in recognizing what is happening now, and the discussions around Trump. He believes that we have entered a time of resistance and return to a system that Americans have taken for granted.
In response to such events, many have discussed in the film community the importance of filmmakers addressing more political themes in their works. However, some argue that cinema has always been a means of escaping reality.
Some films, such as "The Burnt Orange Heresy," grapple with the difficulties faced by American cinema in their themes about young Trump supporting artists. These issues are becoming increasingly relevant in the conditions of the opposition Trump poses to Hollywood.
All of this raises the question of how insistently Trump will push Hollywood to align with his agenda against immigration or programs of racial and gender diversity.