“Harry Potter” star Rupert Grint has become the latest celebrity at the Berlin Film Festival to be asked to speak on the rise of fascism and far-right politics.
“Obviously, I’m against it,” the British actor — famed for his role in the “Harry Potter” film franchise — said during the press conference for his new film, Finnish horror “Nightborn.”
The question follows a trend of star guests being asked about politics at the festival, with several — including Michelle Yeoh and jury president Wim Wenders — declining to answer, sparking arguably the biggest talking point of the Berlinale so far (and leading to one attendee pulling out of the event in disgust). On Saturday, a reporter asked Grint if, since he had spoken about about “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans views, he would consider speaking out against the rise of the far-right, specifically in the U.K.
“Obviously, I’m against it,” Grint said. “But I choose my moments when to speak. But I think yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.”
Grint wasn’t the only member of the press conference to talk politics, with “Nightborn” director Hannah Bergholm asked about her reason for wearing the watermelon pin used to express solidarity with Palestine.
“As grown-up human beings, I think we have a responsibility to speak up against violence and injustice.” she said, adding “and it’s important that we don’t tell other film artists that they shouldn’t speak up.”
Meanwhile, screenwriter Ilja Rautsi added: “I think it is important to shine a light on whatever issues we are facing because art is all about empathy Politicians or millionaires who don’t do anything but cause problems, it’s maybe good to create some form of pressure, or just to get people aware of whatever is happening in the world, what are the wrongs that are taking place in Ukraine or genocide in Palestine.”
“Nightborn” will have its world premiere on Saturday night in Berlin. The second feature from Finnish director Bergolm and shot in Lithuania, the chilling supernatural horror follows a couple, Saga (Seida Haarla) and Jon (Grint), who move to an isolated house in the forest. But their marriage starts to crack on the arrival of their newborn son, who only Saga knows has something very wrong with him.
Also at the press conference were Haarla, producer Daniel Kuitunen, and composer Eicca Toppinen.
Speaking to Variety ahead of the festival, Grint discussed HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series and said hearing the news of the incoming trio of young actors set to play Harry, Hermione and Ron made him reminisce about starting on the film franchise himself more than 25 years ago.
“When they were announced, it really took me straight back to ’99,” he said. “Because it was such an exciting time. I do wish them all the best — it’s such a fun journey. But it’s quite strange and surreal. But it really didn’t feel that long ago that we wrapped.”
Grint wrote a letter to Alistair Stout, the youngster playing Ron Weasley in the show, but said the new Potter kids’ experience would likely be very different to his own as he didn’t have social media to worry about.
“It’s a long time, and there are definitely periods where you want to get out it,” he said. “It’s a sacrifice, especially when you’re young. But I have no regrets. It was a great time and I think they’ll have lots of good people around looking after them.”
