Black At Cannes: Critic Valerie Complex Details Experiencing Constant Racism At Film Festival
essence.comDeadline and host of the Scene 2 Seen podcast, is calling for increased inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival after back-to-back attendance experiences packed with racial microaggressions.
In an op-ed penned last week, Complex gave a rundown of multiple uncomfortable experiences she had while entering and exiting Cannes theaters and red carpets during festival screenings.
After being assumed to be a ticket scalper rather than an attendee, repeatedly “randomly” chosen for bag checks, and having her tickets checked by multiple ushers when taking her seat, it became clear to Complex that her presence was more than a bit of a shock to other festival-goers and staff, if not an outrightly unwelcome presence.
Complex says she was somewhat prepared for the small affronts and discomfort, as she had a similar experience when attending the festival as a freelancer in 2019.
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