Pamela Anderson, Callum Turner, Tracy Letts, Lukas Gage, and Jamie Bell brought star power to the Berlinale press conference for Rosebush Pruning, described as a “biting satire about the absurdity of the traditional patriarchal family.” Directed by Karim Aïnouz, the film will premiere at the festival amid falling temperatures in Berlin. Notably, co-stars Elle Fanning and Riley Keough were absent.
During the press conference, a journalist asked Turner about rumors of him being the next James Bond, which he declined to comment on, while Letts jokingly claimed the title himself. This year’s festival has faced criticism for avoiding discussions on cinema’s relationship with politics, particularly amidst concerns about the rise of fascism and the political climate in the U.S. Acclaimed author Arundhati Roy withdrew from the festival after comments made by jury president Wim Wenders, who suggested art should not be political. Letts stated that while the film speaks for itself, it critiques wealth disparity, suggesting it breeds bad behavior and could foster fascism.
Aïnouz highlighted the importance of public funding for cinema, especially in light of increasing censorship and political judgments. Anderson discussed her role as a complex mother in the film, touching on themes of rebellion and personal shame.
