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82 women walk the red carpet in Cannes film fest protest

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Eighty-two women climbed the steps of the Palais des Festivals at the Cannes Film Festival in an unprecedented red carpet protest to press for improved gender equality in the film industry.

The number of stars, filmmakers and film industry professionals ascending the steps represented the number of female filmmakers who have been selected to compete at Cannes during the festival’s seven-decade history.

In contrast to their 82, 1,866 films directed by men have been picked for the prestigious festival lineup.

Organizers said the event was orchestrated by the Time’s Up movement and the French movement known as 5020×2020 to show “how hard it is still to climb the social and professional ladder” for women.

It brought an array of film industry professionals to the Cannes red carpet, including actresses Salma Hayek and Jane Fonda, “Wonder Woman” filmmaker Patty Jenkins and French director Agnes Varda, a recipient of an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Also joining were the five female members of this year’s Cannes jury: Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart, Ava DuVernay, Lea Seydoux and Burundian singer Khadja Nin. Blanchett read a statement atop the Palais steps in English; Varda read it in French.

“Women are not a minority in the world, yet the current state of the industry says otherwise,” Blanchett said. “We stand together on these steps today as a symbol of our determination to change and progress.”

“The stairs of our industry must be accessible to all,” she concluded. “Let’s climb.”

The protest was held ahead of the premiere of French filmmaker Eva Husson’s “Girls of the Sun,” which is about a Kurdish battalion of women soldiers. Husson is one of three female filmmakers out of the 21 movies in competition for the Palme d’Or this year.

The other two — Nadine Labaki’s “Capernaum,” and Alice Rohrwacher’s “Happy as Lazzaro” — are to premiere next week.

Cannes has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years over the number of female directors selected into its main slate, considered one of the most esteemed achievements in cinema. Jane Campion is the only female filmmaker to ever win the Palme.

The festival supported Saturday’s protest. Festival director Thierry Fremaux earlier this week hailed Saturday’s event as a way for women “to affirm their presence.”

Fremaux has repeatedly insisted that the festival chooses its films purely based on quality. But he’s also signaled that the festival is reanalyzing its procedures and making its selection committees gender-balanced.

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Panama Mint: Breaking Boundaries and Redefining Music

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In a world where genre lines are often blurred, Panama Mint is a shining example of an artist who embodies this concept. With a unique blend of hip-hop, country, gospel, rock, and pop, Panama Mint is redefining the music landscape and captivating audiences worldwide.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Creativity

Panama Mint’s musical journey began at a young age, with early influences from hip-hop and rap. As he grew older, his tastes expanded, and he began to explore other genres, eventually developing his distinctive sound. This journey of self-discovery and creativity has led to the development of his own unique genre, which he is eager to share with the world.

Music as a Form of Therapy and Expression

For Panama Mint, music is more than just a form of entertainment; it’s a way to express himself, tell his story, and connect with others. His music is a reflection of his experiences, emotions, and passions, making it relatable and authentic. Through his music, Panama Mint aims to provide a sense of comfort, solace, and inspiration to his listeners.

Visual Storytelling and Artistic Vision

Panama Mint’s creativity extends beyond music; he’s also a skilled visual storyteller. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for cinematic storytelling, he has created a series of striking music videos that showcase his artistic vision. From the poignant “Hip Hop Blues” to the haunting “Michael Myerz,” Panama Mint’s videos are a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to his craft.

A Commitment to Philanthropy and Social Justice

Panama Mint is committed to using his platform to raise awareness and support for social justice causes. He is passionate about advocating for autism awareness, Alzheimer’s research, dyslexia, and homelessness, and he hopes to inspire others to join him in making a positive impact.

What’s Next for Panama Mint?

With his unique sound, captivating live performances, and commitment to philanthropy, Panama Mint is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry. Stay tuned for new music, videos, and projects from this innovative artist, and experience the transformative power of his music.

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