“Jasmine Trinca“: A River in Flood on the Metoo Question – The Unseen Side of Power and Harassment in Italian Cinema
In a candid and extensive interview with Vanity Fair, actress Jasmine Trinca shares her personal experiences of harassment and power dynamics within the Italian film industry, focusing on a culture that perpetuates impunity for the abusers.
“The Unsuspected Harassers: Power and Culture in Italian Cinema”
Jasmine Trinca, an esteemed 43-year-old Roman actress who debuted in Cannes with a bang, recounts her encounters with harassers and rapists within the Italian film industry as not involving “apples marches” or “maniacs,” but rather an ingrained system of power. She discusses her experiences during the filming of Sky’s series “The Art of Joy” under director Valeria Golino, which is set to premiere at the Cannes Festival in the coming hours.
“Embracing the Rebellion: Speaking Out Against Harassment and Power Abuse”
“It takes me back to a time when I rebelled,” Trinca shares with the interviewer, referring to the recent wave of harassment and sexual violence allegations against men in French cinema. She laments how some big names will be revealed following Judith Godrèche’s accusation of rape by Benoît Jacquot, but finds it disconcerting that President Macron rushed to defend him. Trinca also mentions the lack of bravery within the Italian Metoo movement and expresses her belief that every woman should be free to come forward in their own time and way, emphasizing the need for maximum respect and support from society.
“A Collective Voice: Justice for Victims of Harassment”
Trinca emphasizes the importance of collective action against harassers and rapists in the industry. She admits that she has experienced such situations “several times, when I was young” and acknowledges the lack of justice for victims. She also criticizes the system’s tendency to reintegrate abusers, allowing them to continue working and wielding power even at high levels.
“The Ambiguity of Abuse: Understanding the Unseen Power Dynamics”
Trinca describes the ambiguity surrounding abuse, explaining that it is often not immediately apparent and can be taken advantage of by the abuser. She recalls recognizing herself in others’ stories when they began to speak out, emphasizing that these situations are more complex than attacks by strangers in an alley.
“Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Naming Names and Creating Safe Spaces”
Although Trinca did not make names public at the time due to her lack of understanding about the situation and its implications, she emphasizes the need for change in the working environment by avoiding collaborating with those who harass or abuse.
“An Ongoing Struggle: Empowering Women and Challenging the Culture of Impunity”
Trinca’s courageous words serve as a reminder that the fight against harassment and power abuse in the film industry is an ongoing struggle, requiring continued awareness, understanding, and support from all corners of society. By addressing these issues head-on, we can contribute to creating a culture that fosters respect, safety, and justice for everyone involved.