Beth De Araújo Hints at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Arrest as Channing Tatum Shares His Thoughts on Parenting at Berlinale
Director Josephine, Beth de Araújo, arrived at the Berlinale on Friday alongside co-stars Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, and Mason Reeves.
The film, which examines the traumatic experiences of eight-year-old Josephine as she witnesses a violent sexual assault at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, is garnering attention as one of the most well-received entries in competition thus far, based on the enthusiastic inquiries during the press conference.
De Araújo shared that her own childhood experience of witnessing a similar event fueled her inspiration for the film, leaving her with an enduring sense of hyper-vigilance.
When asked if society has improved its response to childhood psychological trauma in the three decades since her experience, de Araújo remarked, “It depends on the country, but I don’t think we’re better equipped to handle it now. I think maybe this week the UK is.”
Her comment seemed to reference the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the UK on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to his ties with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, while not directly linked to allegations made by Epstein’s victims, has reignited calls from U.S. lawmakers and advocates for accountability in similar cases. Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein, has accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual abuse during her trafficking.
De Araújo echoed her previous calls for accountability, emphasizing the need to address the shame associated with the perpetrators. “I think there needs to be accountability,” she said. “The less accountability there is towards the perpetrators, the pedophiles and the rapists, the more silence and shame it creates.”
Tatum, who portrays Josephine’s father, discussed how his own experiences as a father shaped his preparation for the role. “I have a 12-year-old, and I was a 12-year-old myself at some point in my life as well. Thankfully, I didn’t have this event happen to my 12-year-old self,” he noted, sharing a story about a time his daughter faced a conflict at school.
He recalled being called to school after his daughter was involved in an altercation, only to be informed by the principal of her bravery in defending a friend. “I’m in the office, and like, ‘F**k yeah.’… I took her to get ice cream right afterwards,” Tatum recounted, relating it to a scene from Josephine. “You will never be in trouble with me if you protect yourself. Don’t f**k with my daughter.”
Josephine arrives at the Berlinale with significant momentum, having won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance, along with positive reviews and early buzz for the 2026-27 awards season.
