Not Johnny Depp, Amber Heard's comeback film stirs controversy ahead of Taormina Film Festival
The world of cinema is waiting for Amber Heard to make her much-awaited comeback at the prestigious Taormina Film Festival with her latest film, In The Fire. However, the festival's decision to showcase Heard's movie amidst ongoing disputes with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, has sparked a storm of controversy on social media. Depp’s Jeanne du Barry will also premiere at the Italian festival.
In The Fire marks Heard's return to the silver screen. The supernatural thriller directed by Conor Allyn, set in 1899, follows a psychiatrist as she arrives on a farm to solve the case of a disturbed child following accusations that the child is the devil. The launch will mark her first public appearance since her highly publicised legal battles with Depp.
Known as the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards, the Taormina Film Festival has a rich history spanning over six decades. As it gears up for its 69th edition in Sicily, Italy, fans perceive the inclusion of Heard's movie as a blemish on the festival's storied history. “Who wants to see a talentless actor known as an abusive liar who has withheld millions from sick and dying kids? A woman who stepped on the shoulders of real victims to make much money,” wrote a user on Twitter under Deadline’s report on Heard’s comeback film.
— Murmeltier🍩❤💙❤🏴☠️ (@rentier13) June 12, 2023
The festival has included both Depp and Heard’s film. Supporters of Depp argue that Taormina Film Festival is snubbing the Pirates actor by featuring Heard's film, accusing the festival of endorsing an alleged liar and manipulator.
“Movie sounds like awful garbage juice. I’d rather go watch paint dry than give one dollar or one minute of my time to supporting an abuser. It’s disappointing to see film festivals give a platform to self-admitted abusers, but you know,” read a tweet.
— MoShellshocker (@mo_shellshocker) June 13, 2023