On Saturday, the Venice Film Festival became a backdrop for a significant clash between glamour and urgent political activism, as thousands of protesters took to the streets to voice their opposition to Israel’s siege of Gaza. The demonstrators called on the film industry to shine a light on the ongoing human suffering in the region.
A rally organized by left-wing groups from Italy’s northeast attracted an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 participants, many of whom waved Palestinian flags as they marched through the Lido district toward the festival grounds, coinciding with the red-carpet premiere of the Hollywood blockbuster “Frankenstein.”
“You are all an audience to genocide,” proclaimed one placard, encapsulating the deep frustration of demonstrators who contend that the global film industry bears a moral obligation to take a stand.
“This situation does not pertain to politics.” “This is a human situation,” remarked Marco Ciotola, a 31-year-old computer scientist hailing from Venice. The entertainment industry enjoys a global following. Silence is not an option for them.
Claudia Poggi, a teacher who was seen holding a Palestinian flag, expressed a strong sentiment: “We all know what is happening and it cannot go on.”
The protest emerged following weeks of mounting pressure, spurred by an open letter from the activist group Venice4Palestine, which called on the festival to condemn Israel’s military actions more strongly. More than 2,000 industry professionals, including acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro of “Frankenstein” fame, have signed a petition that echoes a similar initiative launched at Cannes in May.
Fabiomassimo Lozzi, a co-founder of Venice4Palestine, drew parallels between the current boycott call and the cultural movements that opposed apartheid in South Africa. “It appears that individuals within our sector have been anticipating a call to action,” he remarked to AFP.
Across Venice, the tension was palpable. On Friday, Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani made a statement on the red carpet by holding a sign that read “Stop the Genocide in Gaza.” “She stated that what is occurring constitutes an attack on humanity.”
In a notable development, festival organizers have pushed back against demands to exclude Israeli or pro-Israel actors from participation. Notably, Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler, who have been mentioned explicitly in calls for a boycott, were not anticipated to be present at the event.
The controversy continues to persist, showing little indication of resolution. This week, the competition will showcase “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a poignant film by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania that tells the tragic story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl who lost her life with her family in Gaza this January. With the backing of notable figures such as Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer in executive producer roles, the film is anticipated to become a significant focal point in the industry.
The Gaza health ministry, operated by Hamas, reports that over 63,000 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, have lost their lives since the onset of Israel’s invasion nearly two years ago. The United Nations has officially acknowledged the existence of famine conditions in a blockaded region affecting two million individuals. The conflict erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 individuals, predominantly civilians, as reported by Israeli sources.
