The actor Hannah Einbinder has stated that remaining silent about Palestine carries a greater cost than losing her career in Hollywood. The Emmy-winning star of Hacks, who also leads the new queer slasher film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, made these remarks during an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. She emphasized that she would not be discouraged from advocating for causes she believes in.
Following in the Footsteps of Palestinians
Einbinder expressed her commitment to speaking out, saying, "I follow in the steps of Palestinians who have set the bar, who have always had to be their own advocates." She added that she is pleased to join a tradition of Palestinians and Jewish allies who remain vocal during times when many shy away from taking a stand.
Addressing Fears of Blacklisting
When questioned about concerns of being blacklisted, similar to fellow actors Susan Sarandon and Melissa Barrera, who have reportedly lost work due to their pro-Palestine statements, Einbinder replied, "I think what they know is what I know, which is that the cost of not speaking is higher." She elaborated, "There is a greater toll in not speaking, and you have to have your priorities straight. I am under no impression that my small career could ever measure up in comparison to even one human life. It is an obligation, and I will always do it."
Championing Other Pro-Palestine Actors
Einbinder also voiced support for other actors who have spoken out on Palestine. "I would love to work with Melissa and Susan and ... and Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem. All of them," she said, before joking about a potential road trip movie featuring this group of individuals.
Previous Advocacy
During her Emmys acceptance speech last year, Einbinder made headlines by declaring, "Fuck ICE, free Palestine and go Birds!" In a recent podcast interview, she noted that "people in Hollywood, unfortunately, need these issues to affect a white person for them to see it as relating to them."
Discussing New Film at Cannes
Speaking at the Kering Women in Motion talk on Thursday, Einbinder also discussed Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, which premiered at Cannes. In the film, she plays Kris, an indie filmmaker reviving a cult horror franchise alongside one of its original scream queens, portrayed by Gillian Anderson. Einbinder described the film as being "about shame and discomfort around sex," a topic that is often not discussed openly.
Personal Connection to the Film
She noted that the film stems from director Jane Schoenbrun's experience of "coming into themselves and feeling a liberation from shame, embracing their desire and identifying as a queer person. I think a lot of people who are members of marginalized communities can identify with it."
Chemistry with Gillian Anderson
Regarding her on-screen chemistry with Anderson, Einbinder remarked that chemistry is not something that can be built; rather, it is organic. She praised Anderson's "physical choreography and her voracious desire to understand her motivation" in every moment. Einbinder also mentioned Anderson's book Want, a collection of women's anonymous sexual fantasies, noting that Anderson has been deeply immersed in the subject matter.
