Calay News
During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival for her upcoming film “Memory,” Jessica Chastain passionately voiced her support for the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). She attended the event wearing a “SAG-AFTRA on Strike” T-shirt, making her stance clear despite initial concerns from some on her team about her participation.
Chastain explained her decision, saying, “I was very nervous about coming. There were actually some people on my team who advised me against it.” However, her presence was justified by an important detail regarding an interim agreement with the producers of “Memory.”
The producers had reached an interim agreement with SAG-AFTRA, allowing them to promote the film while agreeing to the union’s original terms, which align with the demands the studios have been reluctant to meet. This clarification meant that Chastain’s participation in the event was consistent with the union’s stance.
The award-winning actor also took the opportunity to criticize certain aspects of the industry, particularly the culture of silence that often surrounds actors. She highlighted the pressure to remain quiet to protect future job opportunities and the expectation of unwavering gratitude.
Chastain asserted, “That is the environment that I think has allowed work to be abused and to go unchecked for many decades. This is also the environment that has saddled members of our union with unfair contracts.”
Her candid remarks at the Venice Film Festival reflect a growing movement within the entertainment industry, where actors are using their platforms to advocate for fair working conditions and equitable contracts. Chastain’s unwavering support for the SAG-AFTRA strike sends a strong message about the importance of solidarity and collective action within the industry.
