Cinémathèque Cancels Screening of Last Tango in Paris

La Cinémathèque Française has canceled the screening of 'Last Tango in Paris' due to protests from women's rights groups over a controversial rape scene filmed without the consent of actress Maria Schneider. Director Frédéric Bonnaud cited threats and the need to ensure the safety of staff and audience as reasons for the cancellation, stating, 'We are a cinema, not a fortress.' The film, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and released in 1972, has faced backlash for its depiction of sexual violence, particularly since Schneider described her experience during filming as feeling violated. Prominent figures in the #MeToo movement, including actress Judith Godrèche, criticized the decision to screen the film without providing context, arguing that it disrespected Schneider's legacy. The controversy highlights ongoing discussions within the French film industry regarding sexual violence and the treatment of actresses. The cancellation follows increased scrutiny of the film's content and its implications in light of contemporary conversations around consent and artistic responsibility.