The San Sebastián International Film Festival, currently taking place in Spain, became an unexpected stage for Argentina's sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands. Far from limiting themselves to presenting their new films and walking the red carpet, several Argentine figures took advantage of their participation in the film gathering to deliver a political message that did not go unnoticed before international cameras.
It all began with Lali Espósito, who arrived in the Spanish city on Thursday wearing a white T-shirt with an inscription in black letters: "Las Malvinas son argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine).
The singer and actress, who traveled to present Glaxo, the new film by Benjamín Naishtat, chose a garment inspired by the banner that Argentina's national football team displayed during the last World Cup, following their victory over England.
The artist paired the T-shirt with a black blazer, sunglasses and knee-high boots. She appeared this way before photographers and fans who were waiting for her upon her arrival at the festival. The images spread quickly across social media, where her wardrobe choice once again sparked debate about Argentina's claim over the islands.
More than clothing
The singer's message was not limited to her wardrobe. This Sunday, during the Glaxo press conference, Lali was asked about the T-shirt she had worn upon her arrival and explained why she decided to bring the Malvinas claim to an international event.
"I felt it was a good opportunity. I am Argentine and I don't like to underestimate the spaces I can occupy, the privileges I can enjoy as an artist and having the good fortune to come, for example, this time to this great festival," she explained to the journalists present.
She added: "The Malvinas issue is part of our daily life, it is always there. But these have been very intense weeks in Argentina, almost months now, during which there has been a lot of discussion lately. Even the National Government has surprisingly expressed itself differently regarding our sovereignty."
She also surprised those present by revealing that there is a charitable cause behind her wardrobe choice. "The proceeds from the sale of that Malvinas T-shirt go to veterans from Tigre. I thought it was interesting to take part in that effort to help veterans who have been treated very poorly by the National Government since it took office, and this issue remains current and will continue to be so. It is a very important subject in Argentine history that generation after generation is held in our hearts in our pursuit of our land, our sovereignty... it is a very difficult and very profound issue," she said.
"Sometimes small gestures that might seem a little silly, like wearing a T-shirt, mean a great deal in terms of the feeling of empathy and solidarity with other Argentines who are watching us in a photo, or at an international festival or wherever we may be," she concluded.
A message that spread
Lali was not the only one who decided to use her time at San Sebastián to express her position. This Sunday, Dolores Fonzi, Mercedes Morán, Alejandra Flechner and Carolina Álvarez appeared together wearing coats bearing the same slogan on the back.
The four women walked together in front of the cameras wearing kimono-style coats, made in dark, light blue, white and brown tones. Each one paired them with a different outfit, but they all shared a detail that, at first, remained hidden.
Upon reaching the end of the runway, they turned around at the same time and revealed the inscription "Las Malvinas son argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine), accompanied by an illustration of the islands and the colors of the national flag. The scene was captured in a video that the protagonists themselves shared on Instagram.
The presence of Fonzi, Morán, Flechner and Álvarez at the festival is linked to Mis muertos tristes, a miniseries based on stories by Mariana Enriquez. The story follows Ema, a recently retired doctor who has the ability to see the dead. The production is part of the Official Selection of the competition and is scheduled to premiere on Netflix this Thursday.
