Culture 3 min read By Mason Emerson
Maggie Gyllenhaal Calls Films «Fundamentally, Unavoidably Political» at Venice
Venice jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal said cinema is inherently political and questioned the lack of female directors in competition, calling it a systemic problem.
Venice Film Festival jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal did not shy away from controversy at the opening press conference for the 83rd edition, declaring that films are «fundamentally, unavoidably political» and questioning why so few female directors are in competition this year.
Asked directly whether cinema should be political amid the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and unrest in the United States, Gyllenhaal laughed before answering. «OK, may as well get into it,» she said, according to reports from the Venice press conference. She argued that filmmakers and audiences need to remain open to all types of stories and perspectives, suggesting that the question itself points to a deeper tension in how the industry views art.
«To me, the answer is that films are fundamentally, unavoidably political,» Gyllenhaal said. She framed cinema as a medium that reflects the world it is made in, meaning that even an apparently escapist work carries the values and assumptions of its creators. The actress and director, who is presiding over the main jury at this year's festival, urged empathy as a guiding principle during what she described as politically charged times.
Gyllenhaal also addressed the persistent gender imbalance in the festival's competition lineup. When asked about the dearth of women directors selected for the main slate, she did not dismiss the observation. «There's a systemic problem,» she said, pointing to structural barriers in the industry rather than individual oversights by festival programmers. Her comments echo criticism that has followed Venice and other major festivals for years, with advocates repeatedly calling for more inclusive selection processes.
The press conference marked the formal start of the festival, which runs against a backdrop of global instability. Gyllenhaal's remarks set a pointed tone for an edition that is expected to feature politically engaged cinema alongside the usual parade of star-driven premieres. As jury president, she will lead the panel that awards the Golden Lion, giving her remarks added weight in shaping the festival's narrative this year.
Gyllenhaal, known for her acting career and her 2025 directorial debut, has previously spoken about the responsibility of storytellers in turbulent times. Her comments at Venice suggest she intends to apply that same standard to the films under her jury's consideration, and to the industry conversation surrounding them.
