Angelina Jolie Voices Concerns Over Free Speech at Festival

American actress Angelina Jolie expressed her deep concerns regarding the state of free expression in the United States during a presentation at the San Sebastián Film Festival on September 24, 2023. While promoting her latest film, “Couture,” Jolie remarked, “I love my country, but I don’t at this time recognize my country,” highlighting her discomfort with ongoing threats to freedom of speech.

Jolie’s comments come amid increasing apprehension over free speech issues in the U.S. The actress alluded to recent events, including a crackdown on critical media by former President Donald Trump and the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s show after his remarks regarding the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Reflecting on the current climate, she stated, “Anything, anywhere, that divides or, of course, limits personal expressions and freedoms, from anyone, I think is very dangerous.” She emphasized the weight of the times we are living in, suggesting that the challenges facing society require collective introspection.

Jolie’s Personal Connection to Character

At the festival, Jolie was on hand to promote her film “Couture,” directed by Alice Winocour. The film is in competition for the festival’s prestigious Golden Shell award. In “Couture,” Jolie portrays Maxine Walker, an American film director grappling with personal turmoil, including a divorce and a serious illness, while navigating the complexities of Paris Fashion Week.

The Oscar-winning actress, who received acclaim for her role in “Girl, Interrupted” in 1999, spoke candidly about her connection to her character’s struggles. Jolie has a personal history with health challenges, having undergone a double mastectomy in 2013, followed by the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes to mitigate her elevated risk of cancer, a disease that affected her mother and grandmother.

Visibly emotional, she shared, “I wish she was able to speak more as openly as I have been, and have people respond as graciously as you have, and not feel as alone.” Jolie further explored the unique challenges women face with cancers that affect them, acknowledging the emotional toll these illnesses can impose.

In her remarks, she underscored the importance of open dialogue about health and personal struggles, particularly in the context of women’s experiences. By sharing her story, Jolie aims to foster understanding and compassion around these subjects, which continue to resonate with many.

As she continues to advocate for free speech and personal expression, Jolie’s participation at the San Sebastián Film Festival serves as a reminder of the intersection between art, personal experience, and broader societal issues.