At the Berlin Film Festival, Ethan Hawke expressed his thoughts on celebrities discussing political issues. While he acknowledged that actors might not be ideal advisors, he emphasized the transformative power of cinema. During the press conference for his film The Weight, he humorously noted that seeking advice from “jet-lagged, drunk artists” isn’t wise, but stressed that films can influence public consciousness. Hawke praised The Weight for its theme of unlikely unity against institutional greed, stating, “Anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
Political discussions have been prevalent at the festival, particularly regarding the silence on issues like Gaza, leading to criticism from over 80 participants, including Tilda Swinton. While Hawke recognized the backlash actors face for political opinions, he argued that everyone has a voice and the responsibility to strive for a better future. He maintained that artists contribute primarily through storytelling, not as political experts, but with an obligation to care for future generations. The Weight follows desperate convicts on a morally complex journey, with Hawke leading a cast that includes Russell Crowe and Julia Jones.
