Tilda Swinton Backs Protest at ‘The Room Next Door’ Premiere, Calls It ‘Necessary’

Tilda Swinton Stands with Protesters at ‘The Room Next Door’ Premiere, Calls Disruption ‘Essential’

At the recent premiere of ‘The Room Next Door’ during the 2024 New York Film Festival, a protest broke out that garnered the support of both the film’s star, Tilda Swinton, and acclaimed director Pedro Almodovar. The event, held on October 4 in New York City, showcased Swinton alongside co-star Julianne Moore on the red carpet. Other notable cast members included John Turturro, Alessandro Nivola, and Esther McGregor. Earlier this year, the film received the prestigious Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival.

During a post-screening Q&A, attendees reported that protesters voiced their support for Palestine and Lebanon. A spokesperson for Film at Lincoln Center verified that two individuals displayed a banner and shouted slogans from the audience, although they were peacefully escorted out following their demonstration. Pedro Almodovar reportedly requested that the protesters be given a chance to express their views, and Tilda Swinton lauded their efforts.

Twitter user Jonathon Catlin shared that Tilda referred to the protest as “a dignifying thing for this festival.” In her remarks, she explained that such interruptions, while uncomfortable, are vital and resonate with the themes of the film. She remarked, “Syria is the room next door; Beirut, Gaza. Pedro’s film urges us not to look away.” This significant moment at the festival highlighted the intersection of art and activism, showcasing how cinema can spark important conversations about real-world issues.