2024-10-30 19:23:00
The Council of the Catalan Film Academy will activate the examination commission foreseen to deal with the allegations of alleged sexual harassmentl -through social networks- against director EDuard Cortes to determine what actions to take.
Academy sources explained this to Europa Press on Wednesday, who assured that they would put their specialized team at the service of the victims. abuses in the audiovisual sector.
It was the photographer and director Silvia Grav who denounced on her Instagram profile the treatment she received from Eduard Cortés when she was 19 and he was 55. According to Grav, the director He engaged in “abuse of power”, “labor manipulation” and “solicitation”.
Silvia Grav reported on her social networks that Eduard Cortés promised her help in the sector: «I had some intuition and I never met him in person although he insisted. “I’m 1000% sure I’m not the only one, four years of continuous sexual advances are a pattern, not an isolated case,” she denounced, adding that Cortés deleted the Facebook account from which he sent these messages. «His profile was Gato Del Cerro. If you know any other stories of someone who has experienced something similar, please let me know, it can be anonymous, thanks,” he said.
On Friday I reported Eduard Cortes on my Instagram for abuse of power and labor manipulation and solicitation. When I was 19 and he was 55. In less than three days, 15 other women who were victims of him wrote to me sharing their stories. pic.twitter.com/tsgrN9tI98
— Silvia Grav (@Silviagrav) October 29, 2024
So far, Grav has said that the reports from 15 other female victims who wrote to her telling their stories. The photographer also announced that they are organizing to decide the best way to file the complaint. «If we hadn’t reported it online first, we would never have understood the extent of the issue. We would never have met. We wait for the cases to stop arriving so we can report them all together. The truth is that we are not enough,” she wrote on her profile about sexual violence.
Eduard Cortés is a member of the Academy and, according to the body’s internal protocol, they will initiate the commission, while the Mossos d’Esquadra have informed Europa Press that they have no evidence of no formalized complaint.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Sexual Harassment in the Film Industry
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We have an important topic on the agenda surrounding recent allegations of sexual harassment within the Catalan film industry, specifically against director Eduard Cortés. To discuss this further, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Laura Mendoza, an expert in media ethics and gender studies. Laura, can you give us a brief overview of the situation and its implications for the industry?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: Thank you for having me. The situation is quite serious and reflects a larger issue within the audiovisual sector. The Catalan Film Academy has decided to activate an examination commission to investigate the allegations made by photographer and director Silvia Grav against Eduard Cortés. Grav has accused him of “abuse of power” and “labor manipulation,” pointing to a troubling pattern of behavior that spans several years.
Time.news Editor: Silvia made her allegations public on social media, which seems to be a growing trend for survivors of such incidents. What impact do you think this has on the culture of silence that often surrounds harassment in the film industry?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: Social media has become a crucial platform for amplifying voices that have traditionally been muffled. By sharing her experience publicly, Silvia has not only brought attention to her own case but has also encouraged others to speak out, highlighting the systemic issues in the industry. The fact that she’s confident there are others who share her experience shows how widespread and normalized harassment can be, and this can foster greater accountability when more voices emerge.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned systemic issues. How do these allegations influence the perception of power dynamics within the industry?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: They force us to confront uncomfortable truths about the power imbalances that exist. Figures like Cortés may wield significant influence, allowing them to manipulate and exploit younger individuals seeking opportunities. It’s crucial for institutions like the Catalan Film Academy to take these claims seriously and conduct thorough investigations, as this could be a pivotal moment to drive change within the organization and the industry at large.
Time.news Editor: The Academy has pledged to offer support to victims through a specialized team. How important is this step for victims who may be hesitant to come forward?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: Providing specialized support is vital. Many victims fear retaliation or may feel their claims won’t be taken seriously. By establishing a dedicated team, the Academy is sending a message that they are committed to addressing and preventing harassment seriously. It’s an essential step in fostering a safe environment where victims feel they can come forward without fear.
Time.news Editor: Silvia highlighted the need for anonymity for those who may have similar experiences. How can organizations ensure that voices are heard while protecting the identity of the victims?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: Ensuring anonymity is crucial for victim safety and encouragement. Organizations should set up confidential reporting mechanisms that allow individuals to share their stories without revealing their identities. This not only helps in collecting data on the prevalence of such incidents but also builds trust in the reporting process. Transparency in how cases are handled publicly can also reassure victims that their voices matter.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what actions can the film industry take moving forward to create a healthier, more equitable environment?
Dr. Laura Mendoza: The industry must prioritize comprehensive training on sexual harassment and power dynamics as part of its culture. This includes workshops and discussions around consent, appropriate behavior, and promoting safe avenues for reporting misconduct. Furthermore, ensuring women and marginalized voices have equitable access to opportunities can help break down the entrenched hierarchies that often lead to these forms of exploitation.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Laura. It’s clear that the path forward requires commitment from all stakeholders in the industry. We appreciate your insights into this pressing issue.
Dr. Laura Mendoza: Thank you for addressing such an important conversation. It’s vital we continue to speak out and push for real change in our industry.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. Thank you to our audience for tuning into this important discussion, and stay informed as we continue to report on developments in this case and the broader context of the film industry.