Cinémathèque Française Cancels Screening of Controversial Film

The 1972 film 'Last Tango in Paris' was pulled following feminist protests over its depiction of sexual violence and concerns about audience safety.

The Cinémathèque Française canceled a planned screening of 'Last Tango in Paris' after protests from feminist groups and public figures criticizing its lack of contextualization.
The film, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, includes a simulated rape scene involving actress Maria Schneider, who was not informed or consented to the specifics of the scene at the time of filming.
Maria Schneider, who was 19 during the filming, later described the experience as deeply traumatic and likened it to a 'double violation' by both the actor Marlon Brando and the director.
The decision to cancel the screening was also influenced by safety concerns, as the institution cited potential risks to staff and attendees due to the heated backlash.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the ethics of showcasing historically significant yet problematic works without proper contextual framing.