Pro-Palestine Protesters Disrupt Venice Film Festival Premiere

Pro-Palestinian activists made a significant impact at the Venice Film Festival, where they gathered to protest during the premiere of Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of *Frankenstein*. An estimated 5,000 demonstrators marched through the streets of Venice, chanting the contentious phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which many interpret as a call for the destruction of Israel. The protest occurred on September 5, 2023, coinciding with a star-studded event that included Hollywood figures such as Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi.

As the protesters approached the festival venue, Italian police established a cordon to prevent them from entering the red carpet area. Demonstrators carried flags and banners displaying messages such as “Stop Starving Gaza,” aimed at raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the region. Despite their efforts to amplify their cause, the noise from the media frenzy surrounding the celebrity appearances largely drowned out their chants.

The Venice Film Festival, which commenced on August 27 and runs until September 6, has garnered attention for attracting a host of A-list celebrities, including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Kim Kardashian. Notably absent was Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who has faced backlash for her public support of Israel. Gadot stars alongside Gerard Butler in *In The Hand of Dante*, which is also premiering at the festival.

Festival organizers anticipated protests and implemented heavy security measures, including body scanners and bag checks, to monitor attendees. Alberto Barbero, the festival’s director, emphasized that the event remains a cultural platform that promotes openness and dialogue. He stated, “We will not turn down invitations to artists. If they want to be here, they will be here.”

The festival’s ongoing events have placed it at the center of a broader discussion regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The tensions have led to a divided response within the film community, with some artists expressing support for Palestinian rights while others face criticism for their affiliations.

Adding to the diversity of perspectives at the festival, Brad Pitt has taken on an executive producer role for *The Voice of Hind Rajab*, a film that tells the story of a Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film is set to premiere at Venice and features contributions from actors Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara.

With films like *Frankenstein* competing for awards alongside titles such as *Bugonia* and *A House of Dynamite*, the Venice Film Festival continues to be a significant platform for filmmakers and activists alike. Winners will be announced by a jury led by Alexander Payne on September 6.

As the festival unfolds, the events highlight the intersection of art, activism, and international politics, making a powerful statement about the cultural landscape in times of conflict.