Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have been accused of turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia’s “egregious” human rights abuses while attending a film festival in the kingdom.
The likes of Will Smith, Sharon Stone and Johnny Depp have already attended the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, which human rights groups say is used for “art laundering”.
The festival, run by a foundation chaired by the Saudi culture minister, is said to have offered stars up to $1 million each for their performances.
Baz Luhrmann, Ed Westwick, Alessandra Ambrosio and Sofia Vergara were among those attending the weekend, which Puck News described as a “blood-red carpet.”
Last night it was confirmed that even Gwyneth Paltrow, who virtually retired from the film business over a decade ago and made a fortune with her wellness brand Goop, will be in attendance.
Festival: Gwyneth Paltrow is at the center of an “art laundry” controversy after agreeing to fly to Saudi Arabia for a controversial film festival
Red Carpet: Johnny Depp attends the opening screening of “HWJN” at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival
Actor: Will Smith speaks on stage in “In Conversation with Will Smith” during this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival
Event: Sharon Stone attends the Women In Cinema Gala during the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival on December 1, 2023
Oscar winner Paltrow, 51, is the youngest and most surprising addition to the A-list, especially since she hasn’t starred in a film since Mortdecai in 2015, aside from her appearances as Pepper Potts in Marvel films.
In an interview in 2020, she said that she “hit the mark” at age 26 when she won an Oscar for “Shakespeare in Love,” and then realized she didn’t love acting “that much.”
A festival spokesperson confirmed yesterday that Paltrow will appear on Wednesday night’s “In Conversation” with Arab News CEO Jomana Al Rashid.
Critics see this as part of the regime’s “art wash” and “sports wash”, in which glamorous international events are held to distract from human rights abuses.
Homosexuality remains a crime in the kingdom punishable by death, and the 2018 killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi government agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, sparked widespread outrage.
On Friday, news website Puck published an article about “the Saudi blood-red carpet,” saying, “$1 million was the standing offer talent agencies made to the big stars to walk the carpet… Will Smith might have even gotten more.” .’
Depp appears to have a long-standing relationship with the festival, as its foundation was among the supporters of his comeback film Jeanne Du Barry. It is understood Depp received no money for his participation.
A spokesperson for Paltrow did not respond to requests for comment about her participation fee.
Speaking at the festival on Saturday, Oscar winner Will Smith – who was rebuilding his reputation after winning the Oscars in 2022 – said he would like to work in the kingdom and that he has ambitions: “A film with Denzel – yes !”A film with Denzel Washington in Saudi Arabia!’
He added: “You know, I think what I’m really excited about at the moment is the knowledge transfer. “I really want to teach. I really want to teach filmmaking. I want to work with people on big films.
“And what excites me about Saudi is that it is a completely new film community.” So they are brand new filmmakers. And there’s a style of global storytelling where I’ve traveled the world and understand tiny adjustments that make things global – to be able to take local stories and make them global.
“That’s why I’m looking forward to traveling the world, collaborating and being able to teach and build a global storytelling community.” I have a deep faith in the power of sharing our stories with each other and helping to heal wounds. to help learn from each other.
Star: Sofía Vergara attends the Women In Cinema Gala during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 on December 1stSofía Vergara
Pink: Sharon Stone turned heads at the HWJN screening at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia
Dress: Model Alessandra Ambrosio looked incredible in Saudi Arabia
Suit: Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick attended the opening screening of “HWJN” at the Red Sea International Film Festival
Film: Depp appears because he has a long-standing relationship with the festival, as its foundation was among the supporters of his comeback film Jeanne Du Barry
“I feel like in this next phase of my life I’m going to be working in global collaboration to create an exchange of our stories that creates bridges.” I just don’t feel like politics will necessarily bring about change, so I leave the burden to myself and global artists. Absolutely. I love it here. Someone tell me where my house needs to be!’
This year the jury is chaired by Elvis and Moulin Rouge! Director Baz Luhrmann, who also spoke warmly about Saudi Arabia.
Until six years ago, cinema was banned in the country, but it is now investing millions to incentivize the festival as part of its strategy to free the economy from its dependence on oil.
Its choice as the opening title is seen as a sign of the growing strength of Saudi Arabia’s film and television business, just six years after the country lifted its 35-year ban on cinemas as part of its 2030 strategy to boost the economy away from oil.
Baz Luhrmann said he came to Saudi Arabia before accepting the role. “I came here quietly to do my own research… there was no cinema for 30 years, and then suddenly films are being seen.” I got to know the studios, but what really impressed me were the young, up-and-coming filmmakers and how hungry they are to tell their story. That’s why I’m here. “At a time when politics is failing us, storytellers need to be heard and we are here to support them.”
A spokesperson for Human Rights Watch said earlier this year: “For several years, the Saudi government has used this high-profile festival as a tool to draw attention to its egregious human rights record – and it continues to do so.” Unfortunately.
“The human rights situation in the country is getting worse.” We documented a horrific case of a retired teacher who was sentenced to death in July this year because of his peaceful Twitter and YouTube activities.
“It is deeply concerning that this festival brings together strong artists, performers and celebrities who have exercised freedom of expression through their art and yet participate in a festival hosted by a government that does not tolerate this freedom.”
The charity’s message is: “If you must go, then use your platform to raise awareness of the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia.”