In a world where silence can be as loud as any statement, Rupert Grint, the beloved 'Harry Potter' star, takes a stand against fascism—but is it enough? At the Berlin Film Festival, Grint became the latest celebrity to address the alarming rise of far-right politics, a topic that has sparked both conversation and controversy. When asked about his stance, Grint didn’t hesitate: 'Obviously, I’m against it,' he declared during the press conference for his new Finnish horror film, Nightborn. But here’s where it gets intriguing—Grint, while firm in his opposition, chooses his moments to speak out, leaving many wondering when and how he’ll use his platform next. 'You’ll hear from me,' he promised, hinting at future action.
This question comes at a time when stars at the festival are increasingly being pressed on political issues, with some, like Michelle Yeoh and Wim Wenders, opting to remain silent—a decision that has become one of the Berlinale’s most debated topics. But is staying silent on such critical issues a form of complicity? One attendee even withdrew from the event in protest, underscoring the tension between art and activism. On Saturday, a reporter drew a direct line from Grint’s past comments on J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans views to the current political climate, asking if he would speak out against the far-right, particularly in the U.K. Grint’s response was measured yet resolute, acknowledging the urgency of the issue while maintaining his strategic approach to advocacy.
And this is the part most people miss: Grint wasn’t the only one at the press conference to tackle politics. Nightborn director Hannah Bergholm wore a watermelon pin in solidarity with Palestine, emphasizing the responsibility of adults to speak out against violence and injustice. 'We shouldn’t silence other film artists,' she urged, a bold statement in an industry often wary of taking sides. Screenwriter Ilja Rautsi echoed this sentiment, arguing that art thrives on empathy and that shedding light on global issues—from Ukraine to Palestine—is not just important but necessary. 'Politicians and millionaires cause problems; art can create awareness and pressure,' Rautsi added, framing creativity as a tool for change.
Nightborn, set to premiere in Berlin, is a chilling supernatural horror film that explores the darker side of parenthood. Directed by Bergholm and shot in Lithuania, it follows Saga (Seida Haarla) and Jon (Grint), a couple whose marriage unravels after the birth of their son, who harbors a sinister secret. The film promises to be as thought-provoking as the conversations it has sparked off-screen.
In a separate interview with Variety, Grint reflected on HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, reminiscing about his own journey starting over 25 years ago. 'It was such an exciting time,' he recalled, wishing the new cast well while acknowledging the surreal feeling of passing the torch. Grint even wrote a letter to Alistair Stout, the young actor playing Ron Weasley, though he noted the new generation will face challenges he didn’t, like the pressures of social media. 'It’s a sacrifice, especially when you’re young, but I have no regrets,' he shared, highlighting the bittersweet nature of fame.
But here’s the controversial question: In an era where every voice matters, is it enough for celebrities to oppose fascism and injustice in principle, or must they actively lead the charge? Grint’s strategic approach and Bergholm’s bold statements invite us to consider the role of art and artists in shaping society. What do you think? Is measured advocacy more impactful, or should public figures be at the forefront of every fight? Let’s discuss in the comments—your voice could be the next to spark change.
