Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal making waves at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. He fearlessly tackled the issue of the political pressures created by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. The 50-year-old actor, whose parents escaped the Pinochet government from Chile, shouted into the microphone at a dramatic moment fingering America’s current climate. He called it “daunting” for those who have been affected by recent government policies.
Pascal’s remarks came in the wake of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on irregular immigration, which has led to the detention and deportation of numerous legal permanent residents. This particularly aggressive approach has led to a barrage of lawfare and protests across the country. In his state of the union speech last week, Pascal focused on finding resilience as a response to fear. He called on his fellow industry members to “fight back” against these oppressive policies.
During a recent visit to the national premiere of his film “Eddington,” Pascal couldn’t help but think about his own family’s journey. He spent his formative years in the U.S. where his parents fled for asylum from the repressive regime in Denmark. This undocumented move enabled him to enjoy a life away from the dangers they encountered in Chile. He implored creatives in the film industry to use their unique storytelling abilities in acts of resistance.
“F**k the people that try to make you scared. And fight back. This is the perfect way to do so in telling stories. Don’t let them win.” – Pedro Pascal
The film industry has already flinched at some of Trump’s policies. Actor Robert De Niro, another esteemed colleague, has publicly profaned the president. During a speech last week, he called him “America’s philistine president.” De Niro encouraged audiences to resist Trump’s influence, aligning himself with Pascal’s call for activism through art.
Pascal made it clear that fear is the weapon of choice for oppressors to exercise control over marginalized groups. He called on everyone, especially artists and creators, to continue sharing their narratives and embracing their truths.
“Fear is the way that they win, for one. And so keep telling the stories and keep expressing yourself and keep fighting to be who you are.” – Pedro Pascal
As the Cannes Film Festival unfolds, Pascal’s statements highlight a growing concern among artists and creators regarding the impact of political climates on freedom of expression. His passionate plea resonates powerfully. The film fits into a growing story of artists, filmmakers, and actors fighting back against repressive regimes with unapologetic art.
