What's happened
Pedro Almodóvar, at the Venice Film Festival, called for worldwide legalization of euthanasia, emphasizing its importance in his new film, The Room Next Door. The film features Tilda Swinton as a journalist with cancer who chooses to end her life, highlighting the need for regulated euthanasia globally.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Pedro Almodóvar's statements at the Venice Film Festival highlight his strong advocacy for euthanasia, stating, "There should be the possibility to have euthanasia all over the world" (The Guardian). He emphasizes the film's message, noting that it portrays a character who takes control of her fate in the face of terminal illness. Tilda Swinton echoed this sentiment, expressing her personal acceptance of death, which aligns with the film's themes (The Independent). The New York Times provides a broader context, discussing the complexities surrounding euthanasia laws and individual choices, particularly in cases where individuals do not qualify for legal euthanasia due to strict regulations.
How we got here
Euthanasia was legalized in Spain in 2021, making it one of the few countries to allow assisted dying. Almodóvar's film reflects on this topic, showcasing the personal struggles surrounding terminal illness and the choices individuals face.
More on these topics
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Pedro Almodóvar Caballero is a Spanish filmmaker, director, screenwriter, producer, and former actor.
He came to prominence as a director and screenwriter during La Movida Madrileña, a cultural renaissance that followed after the end of Francoist Spain.