Jewish director supports Palestinians at Venice fest

In an impressive move at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, award-winning Jewish director Sarah Friedland uses her acceptance speech to voice support for Palestinians.

Friedland used her moment in the spotlight at the event's awards ceremony to address the dire situation in Gaza. 

She said, "I am accepting this award on the 336th day of Israel’s genocide in Gaza," adding, "It is our responsibility as filmmakers to use the institutional platforms in which we work to address Israel’s impunity on the global stage."

The director also noted, “I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.”

Friedland won the Luigi de Laurentiis Award for her film 'Familiar Touch' at the 2024 edition of the Italian film event.

The speech by Friedland was well-received by the audience.

During the awards ceremony, Palestinian filmmaker Scandar Copti, the recipient of the best screenplay award for 'Happy Holidays', echoed Friedland's concerns.

“I stand here deeply honored, yet profoundly affected by the difficult times we’re living through over the past 11 months; our shared humanity and moral compass have been tested as we witness the ongoing genocide in Gaza,” he said on stage. 

The 2024 Venice International Film Festival was held from 28 August to 7 September.

The speeches by Friedland and Coptis were not isolated incidents of support for Palestine at the festival.

Earlier in the event, Italian actor Lino Musella wore a "Free Palestine" T-shirt on the red carpet.

The ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza has so far resulted in 40,939 documented Palestinian deaths.