Jennifer Lawrence has termed the situation in Gaza as “no less than a genocide” and called the violence “unacceptable” during a press conference at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Friday.
The Oscar-winning actress, in Spain to promote her new film "Die My Love" and to receive the Donostia Award, spoke with emotion when asked about the situation in Palestine. “I’m terrified and it’s mortifying. What’s happening is no less than a genocide and it’s unacceptable,” she said. She expressed particular concern for children, adding, “I’m terrified for my children, for all of our children.”
Lawrence also criticised the state of American politics. She said the current political climate is marked by a lack of integrity and empathy. “The kids who are voting right now at 18, it’s going to be totally normal to them that politics has no integrity. Politicians lie, there is no empathy,” she said. She warned that global issues cannot be ignored, adding, “When you ignore what’s happening on one side of the world, it won’t be long until it’s on your side as well.”
She made clear, however, that artists should not be held responsible for solving political problems. “I wish that there was something I could say, something that I could do to fix this extremely complex and disgraceful situation. It breaks my heart,” she said. She urged people to hold leaders accountable and to vote, rather than blaming actors and artists.
Earlier in the conference, Lawrence spoke about the role of film festivals in protecting freedom of speech. She emphasised the importance of artistic expression at a time when freedom of expression faces increasing threats in the United States. She said art has the power to connect people and promote empathy.
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