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During the Venice Film Festival press conference for Michel Franco's drama "Memory," renowned actor Jessica Chastain delivered a passionate address to fellow American actors.
Clad in a black SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) on Strike T-shirt, Chastain shared that she had reservations about attending, revealing that some on her team had advised against it.
In her speech, Jessica said, “Often made to keep quiet in order to protect future working opportunities, and we are often told and reminded how grateful we should be. And that is the environment that I think has allowed work to be abused, to go unchecked for many decades. And is also the environment that has saddled members of our union with unfair contracts".
Jessica and her co-star Peter Sarsgaard were present at the press conference as "Memory" had secured an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA. She clarified that the union had explicitly instructed members to support the strike by utilizing social media, participating in picket lines, and endorsing interim agreement projects.
Jessica continued, "Independent producers, such as those present here, are sending a clear message to the AMPTP: actors deserve equitable compensation, AI safeguards must be established, and streaming proceeds should be shared. I trust that my presence today will inspire other independent producers and urge actors to participate in festivals
Directed and written by Michel Franco, "Memory" follows Sylvia, portrayed by Jessica, a social worker leading a structured life until an unexpected encounter with Peter (Sarsgaard) from their high school reunion disrupts her world. The film explores the profound impact of this chance meeting on both characters as it unravels their past.
Michel Franco praised Jessica's exceptional talent, hailing her as possibly the finest actress in the United States and even the world. This marks Franco's third consecutive premiere at the Venice Film Festival, with his previous films "New Order" (2020) and "Sundown" (2021) having garnered critical acclaim. "New Order" received the festival's grand jury prize.
For Jessica Chastain, this return to the Venice Film Festival comes a decade after her last premiere in 2011 with "Texas Killing Fields." She most recently won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" last year.
