Zoe Saldaña recently discussed her new film, Emilia Pérez, at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. She emphasized the movie's celebration of Mexico's rich and artistic culture, which holds a special place in her heart.

Saldaña, who has lived in Los Angeles for about 20 years, shared her deep connection to Mexican culture. She mentioned, "Mexican culture is something that’s dear to my heart.

I’ve lots of family still there." This connection drives her admiration and respect for the culture, despite acknowledging the injustices and corruption that exist in Mexico, as in many other countries.

In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña plays Rita Moro Castro, an undervalued lawyer working for a large firm. She is hired by cartel leader Manitas to help him secretly undergo a sex change operation, allowing him to become the woman he has always dreamed of being as he nears retirement.

The film is directed and written by Jacques Audiard and is described as a musical thriller. Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who is trans, stars as Manitas, and Selena Gomez plays Manitas’ wife, Jessi.

Saldaña praised Jacques Audiard's creative direction, expressing gratitude for his artistic freedom in telling the story. She noted, "He has this story which depicts a number of things that you can find in Mexico and which need to be improved in other countries. But he celebrates the culture, which is so beautiful, and so rich, and so artistic."

Emilia Pérez premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024, and received a nearly 10-minute standing ovation. The emotional moment brought Gomez to tears.

At the press conference, Karla Sofía Gascón highlighted the challenges faced by trans people, especially in Mexico. She spoke about the harsh treatment and threats trans people often endure.

Gascón passionately argued for equal treatment, stating, "We have to continue fighting for our rights. We have to continue with our lives.

Gascón also discussed her character, Manitas, emphasizing the humanity of trans people. "What I think is very important in this character [Manitas] and in the film made by Jacques is the following: It's quite clear that trans people, we trans people are just people.

We're trans people, we're people. It's not as though we were a sort of a stain on the world. We are as human as others, and we have existed since the beginning of the world."

Emilia Pérez not only showcases the rich and artistic Mexican culture but also brings important social issues to light, particularly the rights and humanity of trans people.

Saldaña, Gascón, and the entire cast and crew hope the film will inspire greater understanding and respect for all individua