Selena Gomez, along with her co-stars Zoe Saldana and Edgar Ramirez, recently discussed the political themes of their Cannes standout film, Emilia Perez.
French director Jacques Audiard’s highly anticipated musical crime comedy, Emilia Perez, made its world premiere in competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 18. The film garnered an enthusiastic response from the audience, with the director and cast receiving a remarkable 9-minute standing ovation, solidifying its status as one of the festival’s most talked-about projects.
As the film continues to generate positive reviews from critics, Gomez, Saldana, and Ramirez took the opportunity to delve into the political elements of their film during a press conference.
Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana talk about the political aspect of their movie Emilia Perez
Selena Gomez, portraying the character of Jessi in her upcoming film Emilia Perez, recently engaged in discussions about the film’s political dimension. During a press conference attended by the actress and her co-stars, a journalist raised a query regarding the film’s resonance with real-life corruption in the country, as reported by Variety.
In response to the inquiry, Saldana revealed her personal connection to Mexico, citing her family’s ties to the country. She stated, “I’ve lived in LA for 20 years, but Mexican culture holds a special place in my heart. I have numerous family members there.” Acknowledging the presence of injustice and corruption globally, she expressed gratitude to director Jacques for incorporating creative liberty into the narrative.
Similarly, Selena Gomez echoed Saldana’s sentiments, drawing on her own experiences. She remarked, “I still have family there, and my upbringing in Texas adds another layer to my connection. Overall, it’s been a wonderful experience.”
Edgar Ramirez also discusses the matter
Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez also graced the world premiere of their forthcoming film, Emilia Perez, wherein he portrays the character of Gustavo.
During the press conference alongside his fellow cast members, Ramirez delved into his perspective on the film’s themes. He expressed, “I visit there frequently, and there’s a sense of internal exile — a departure within oneself. Upon viewing our film last night, the familiar world seems to dissolve and then reappear.” Reflecting on the sense of disconnection prevalent in the country, he emphasized the resilience of Latin Americans, stating, “While we may not recognize the landscape of our reality, leaving is not an option. What we require, as Latin Americans, is to persevere and create, as if hope is on the cusp of realization. It propels us toward our destiny.”
Directed and scripted by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, Emilia Perez is a forthcoming Spanish-language musical comedy centered around the intertwined lives of three women—Jessi (Selena Gomez), Rita (Zoe Saldana), and the titular character Emilia Perez (Carla Sofia Gascón). United by their shared traumas from their time in the cartel-controlled underworld of Mexico City, the film explores their journey of resilience and solidarity.