Pedro Almodovar says film-makers have a moral duty' to speak out against the far right

Filmmakers are said to have a moral duty to speak out about the political conditions in contemporary society. Silence is presented as a sign that things are going badly and that democracy is crumbling. Concerns are raised that self-censorship could spread across Europe as far-right populist parties lead polls in multiple countries. Examples are cited of limited protest at major awards ceremonies and of public statements against war and for Palestine. Legal protections in Europe are described as requiring action to shield against political “madness.” Reports at Cannes are referenced involving threats to blacklist actors who oppose a rightwing media shareholder.

"“I don't want to judge anyone, but I think artists have to speak out about the situation in which they live in contemporary society. It's a moral duty.” Wearing a Free Palestine badge on his jacket, the director links artistic responsibility to political conditions, arguing that creators should not remain silent when speech and democratic norms are under pressure. The statement frames speaking out as an ethical obligation rather than a personal choice."

"“Silence and fear is a symptom that things are going badly, it's a serious sign democracy is crumbling,” the Spanish director said. He connects the absence of protest and the presence of intimidation to broader democratic decline. The warning implies that when artists and public figures stop speaking, authoritarian tendencies gain ground, making it harder to defend free expression and political accountability."

"“In Europe we have laws [] we have to act as a shield against this madness.” The claim emphasizes that European legal frameworks should be used actively to protect democratic life and free speech. The phrase “shield” positions legal protections as tools that must be defended through action, not merely relied upon, especially as political pressures intensify across the continent."

"“I don't want to judge anyone, but I think artists have to speak out about the situation in which they live in contemporary society, the 76-year-old auteur said.” He ties the duty to the lived political environment and to the consequences of not speaking. The warning is that failing to speak up enables stifling of free speech, with Europe urged to avoid being subjected to the same dynamics seen elsewhere."

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