Dear Pedro Almodovar

I think I've loved you my whole life. I don't even remember the first time I saw Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios, because I was very young. It's strange, you taught me about being a woman before I was a woman, when I was just a little girl wondering if I would ever be as interesting, crazy, or beautiful as the women in your movies.

Now I'm a young woman with a daughter who is a wild little dervish just like her mama used to be. I had to tell you these things because I've loved you for so long, and I wanted you to know me a little. Otherwise, I might have seemed faceless, nameless. No matter to you.

My name is Heidi, my daughter's name is Iris and I wanted you to know that you have disappointed me. I am grieved to see that you have signed the petition to free Roman Polanski from being extradited back to the US to serve time for a crime he formally pleaded guilty to.

I hold art in high esteem, it is what nourishes all people and hearts everywhere, even when the body goes hungry. I understand the desire to support a fellow artist whose work has touched your heart. I will not condemn that.

But there are things that should be worth more than art.

My daughter is beautiful, newly-made, innocent, unfinished. She is worth more than art. Her safety and freedom to grow unsullied by sexual abuse is worth more than art.

All children are.

Pedro Almodovar, I wish you would reconsider the petition you've signed and the message you are sending children about their worth. I will not argue this case with you, though you could read more about the crime you have supported in Steve Lopez's column in the Los Angeles Times. I only wanted to tell you that I am saddened by seeing your name on the petition. Though some people may say, they're only movies, I am heartbroken at the idea of not being able to share your films with my daughter with a free conscience.

Heidi W.

Los Angeles


Please feel free to address your own sentiments about the Free Polanski petition being circulated in Hollywood, here in the comments. Or just leave your name and location to show your solidarity against the petition to free him.



1st edit:
I don't think anyone should refrain from honestly expressing their anger, frustration and/or disgust here with language that is constructive. I will be deleting comments that are offensive to anyone, especially if sexually-explicit or sex-specific slurs are used. Thank you.