The Venice Film Festival’s awards ceremony took a political turn on Saturday, as several winners voiced their solidarity with Palestinians and condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
US director Sarah Friedland, who received the Luigi de Laurentiis prize for best debut film for “Familiar Touch,” called attention to the crisis, said, “As a Jewish American artist working in a time-based medium, I must note, I’m accepting this award on the 336th day of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and 76th year of occupation”. She further said that it is a responsibility of filmmakers to use their platforms to challenge Israel’s actions on the global stage, saying “I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for liberation.”
Friedland’s film also earned her the best director award in the Horizons section, while actress Kathleen Chalfant won best actress for her portrayal of a woman adjusting to life in an assisted care facility. Chalfant, in her acceptance speech, expressed hope for a resolution to the conflict that would allow both sides to “live in peace, freedom, and justice.”
The audience too responded warmly to these speeches, reflecting the growing global outcry over Israel’s 10-month military campaign in Gaza, triggered by the 7th October Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,000 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages. Israel’s response has left Gaza devastated, with more than 40,000 Palestinians dead and over 94,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israeli officials estimate 60 to 70 hostages are still alive in the region.
Palestinian director Scandar Copti also shared his thoughts while accepting the award for best screenplay in the Horizons section for “Happy Holidays,” a film about generational and cultural tensions in Haifa. Copti said, “I stand here deeply honored, yet profoundly affected by the difficult times we’re living through”. “Our shared humanity and moral compass have been tested as we witness the ongoing genocide in Gaza,” he added.
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