Controversial Films Shine at Cannes
Madonna is only one of many filmmakers making a statement at Cannes.
CANNES, France, May 22, 2008 — -- "One way or another, when we select the Palme d'Or winner, I think we are going to feel very confident that the film-maker who made the film is very aware of the times in which he or she lives." So says Sean Penn, who is the president of the jury at the Cannes film festival this year — but he is not setting a new trend.
Cannes has always been a platform for brave directors to win public attention. Leaving behind the glamour and the glittering stars, the red carpet this year is welcoming and supporting some of the most politically and socially aware movies — stories that the world mostly forgets or refuses to acknowledge.
The job of a penniless volunteer in a disaster zone, the Mafia that handles the biggest underworld economy in Italy, forgotten massacres, child soldiers and controversial, political prisoners dying on hunger strike, are just some of the untold stories that have garnered global attention thanks to this festival.
In the "Third Wave," director Alison Thompson and her partner Oscar Gubernati left New York with little money to help the victims of the 2004 tsunami.
They dug toilets, collected corpses, played with children, built shelters, found food, restarted the school and tried to restore morale. The movie recalls the work of those who went there to help with no support other than their determination to make a difference.
Sean Penn has used his clout as president of the jury to promote the "Third Wave." "In lieu of the fact that governments don't seem to be able to help, this film gives an indication of how you can help yourself." His call has been heard.
U2 Frontman Bono, filmmaker Michael Moore and actresses Natalie Portman and Faye Dunaway showed up at the movie premiere of this low budget documentary in a show of support.
Another celebrity voicing a cause is Madonna. Not to be outdone by her ex husband, she's showing a film about Malawi, the country where her adopted boy, David, comes from.
The Material Girl produced and narrated "I Am Because We Are," which shows the devastating impact of AIDS and poverty in this African country.
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