Euthanasia drama wins Venice Golden Lion

The pro-euthanasia film The Room Next Door has won the prestigious Golden Lion award for best film at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar and starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, the film received significant acclaim, including an 18-minute standing ovation at its premiere earlier in the week, one of the longest in recent memory.

In his acceptance speech, 74-year-old Almodóvar expressed his belief in the importance of the right to die with dignity, stating, "I believe that saying goodbye to this world cleanly and with dignity is a fundamental right of every human being."

The film tells the story of a war correspondent, played by Swinton, who is battling terminal cancer. She seeks the support of an old friend, portrayed by Moore, to be with her as she makes the decision to end her own life. The emotionally charged storyline has resonated with audiences and critics alike, prompting discussions on the sensitive subject of euthanasia and the right to a dignified death.