The Sundance Film Festival is a celebration of independent cinema. This year, big-name celebs flooded the crowds with calls to #AbolishICE and to protest against the recent police murders in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sunday afternoon’s action Sundancers Melt ICE was a colorful and creative protest against the cruelty of ICE. FTR attendees passionately made their anger known at the current political landscape and advocated for progressive social justice agenda.
Natalie Portman caused a splash with her photoshoot at Press Tag. Her chest was covered in “ICE out” and “Be Good” pins, unmistakably indicating her fierce commitment to the movement. She condemned the government’s actions, stating, “What’s going on in this country right now is absolutely horrific. What the federal government, Trump’s government, Kristi Noem, ICE – what they’re doing is really the worst of the worst of humanity.”
The protest took place the same day as a massive demonstration against the recent police killings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Actor and director Olivia Wilde, who had released a statement regarding the tragic incidents on Saturday, shared her profound dismay. She said, “I’m appalled and sickened. We can’t go another day just sort of accepting this as our new norm. It’s outrageous. People are being murdered … So if we can do anything out here to support the movement to cast ICE out, to delegitimise this unbelievably criminal organisation, then that’s what we should be doing.”
Use of social media was essential in amplifying the message of the protest. Natasha Lyonne followed up with some very vigorous Instagram posting to make people aware of the event. The organizers encouraged everyone to participate in a 10-minute long “respectfullove melts ICE” demonstration, which was designed to bring together diverse voices in solidarity against systemic injustice.
As participants began arriving, a small contingent of law enforcement watched from across the street. Elijah Wood was a vocal presence this year during the festival, preaching the importance of unity and solidity in dark times. In the words of Mr. Wright – one of the people who has been illegally shot to death in Minnesota – it’s bad, worse than bad. We’ve reached this marvelous film festival about connecting us all. It’s appropriate that Telling Our Story, the festival’s theme, celebrates the power of storytelling from all parts of the world. We’re not divided here; we’re coming together.
Today, the Sundance Film Festival is a major launch point for many of those same industry gatekeepers. More importantly, they use this platform to raise awareness on pressing social issues. These celebrities use their substantial influence to move people to take action. Plus, they inspire conversation around topics that reach far outside the world of film.