Susan Sarandon Discusses Industry Blacklisting at Venice Film Festival

Actress Susan Sarandon presented the film The Echo Chamber at the Venice Film Festival, where she spoke about being excluded from Hollywood projects due to her public criticism of the war in Gaza. Sarandon stated that she has been removed from several movies because agencies have advised against hiring her, a situation she describes as the result of structural power within the industry. Despite these professional setbacks, she noted that she feels welcome among the general public and on an international level.

The Echo Chamber is directed by Andrea Pallaoro and is based on a screenplay by the late Bernardo Bertolucci. Sarandon expressed gratitude to Pallaoro for ignoring warnings about casting her. During the press conference, she observed that while the general narrative regarding the historical relevance of Palestine and the ties between the United States and Zionism has shifted, certain positions within the film industry remain hostile toward her.

Sarandon also reflected on her friendship with Bertolucci and her admiration for his work, specifically citing the film El Conformista as a major influence on her view of cinema. Additionally, she recalled her previous comments made in February while receiving a Goya International award, during which she praised the Spanish government and President Pedro Sanchez for their moral lucidity regarding the situation in Gaza.