Hollywood actor Javier Bardem’s latest role sees him highlight the dangers of SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation) in a new short film for Greenpeace.

Netflix star Yasmin Finney stars alongside the Academy Award winner in the two-minute-20-second film, in which Bardem plays a tailor fitting Finney for a ‘SLAPP suit’ - the film’s title.

Susannah Compton, Greenpeace International, head of programme - civic resistance and freedoms, said: ‘The global threat of corporate intimidation tactics such as SLAPP lawsuits is an existential crisis for freedom of speech and protest for everyone who dares speak out against the powerful - whether Greenpeace would agree with them or not.

‘If we do not defend our right to resist, we surrender the future to a few oligarchs who see power as a tool for empire rather than a shared responsibility.’

Javier Bardem, SLAPP Suit

Hollywood actor Javier Bardem plays a tailor fitting a 'SLAPP suit'

Source: Greenpeace 

The King’s speech earlier this month omitted long-promised anti-SLAPP legislation, which the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition said was ‘deeply disappointing’. Justice secretary David Lammy has since reiterated the government’s pledge to take action. 

There are limited anti-SLAPP provisions in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which covers reporting on economic crime.

Yasmin Finney, SLAPP Suit

Netflix star Yasmin Finney stars in the two-minute-20-second film

Source: Greenpeace 

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Bardem, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in No Country for Old Men (2007), said: ‘I made this film with Greenpeace because they’re fighting a monumental legal battle about free speech, but really it’s about something much bigger: widespread attempts to silence activism.

‘The question is not why to speak out. But how could we not, if we want to have the same freedom in the future?’

Finney said: ‘The right to protest in the UK is a huge battle. People demanding better is what built our country, but increasingly it’s becoming criminalised. Not enough people believe or see that our rights are really under threat, and that’s why we made this film. Bullies respond to strength and togetherness, and that’s what we need more of right now.’

The film, which can be viewed online, was released globally today by Greenpeace International.