At a recent press conference for her latest film, Couture, Angelina Jolie found herself addressing the tumultuous political climate in the United States. The Oscar-winning actress joined director Alice Winocour and the film's cast ahead of its European premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, where she opened up about her feelings toward her homeland.

Jolie expressed her love for the U.S., yet lamented, "I don’t recognize my country at this time." She emphasized the importance of being cautious with words in such a serious climate. "Anything that divides or limits personal expressions and freedoms is dangerous," she remarked, conveying a heartfelt message about the current state of society.

A Personal Journey in Couture

In Couture, Jolie stars as Maxine, an American film director navigating the high-pressure world of Paris Fashion Week. During the chaos of this glamorous event, her character faces a breast cancer diagnosis—an experience Jolie is all too familiar with, having undergone a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 due to her family’s history with cancer.

"I chose to have that procedure because I lost my mother and grandmother at a young age," Jolie shared. "Those are my choices, and while I don’t expect everyone to follow my path, it's vital that we all have the choice." This personal connection to the film's storyline adds depth to her character.

A Heartfelt Tribute to Her Mother

Jolie became emotional when discussing the significance of wearing her late mother’s necklace in the film, reflecting on the loss of her mother to ovarian cancer. "It's very hard to speak about my mother," she admitted. "I wish she had been a part of a community where people responded graciously and discussed their feelings openly." Jolie's vulnerability highlighted the emotional weight of her performance.

Intersecting Lives in Couture

The film also explores the lives of other characters, including Ada, a young model from South Sudan, and Angèle, a French makeup artist aspiring to be a writer. Their intertwined stories mirror the complexities of life and struggle, demonstrating the different paths that can emerge from challenging circumstances.

The San Sebastian International Film Festival runs from September 19 to 27, showcasing a wealth of talent and thought-provoking stories.