You ever get the feeling that when someone promises to “guarantee” respect for safety and dignity, it’s really just smoke and mirrors? Yeah, me too. Especially today—thanks to Mercury dribbling through Gemini like it’s juggling fiery hot potatoes—it’s like every word out there needs a healthy side-eye. So, when the Cannes Film Festival says they’ll make sure all submitted films honor the safety and integrity of everyone involved, should we cheer or just brace for the usual circus? Spoiler alert: my hopes might be a teeny bit too sky-high for these kinds of promises. But hey, if the stars can remind us that talk is cheap—actions, not so much—maybe it’s time to keep the champagne on ice until we see real change. Stay alert, stay skeptical, and remember: if you or someone you know needs help, support is just a call away. LEARN MORE.
But hey, maybe my hopes are too high! If someone says they want to “guarantee that the films submitted have respected and continue respecting the safety, integrity and dignity of all contributors,” then why on earth would I expect them to actually do something about it?
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.
If you are concerned that a child is experiencing or may be in danger of abuse, you can call or text the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (4.A.CHILD); service can be provided in over 140 languages.