The Venice Film Festival is not just a celebration of cinema; it is also a platform for raising awareness about critical global issues. This year, the festival will host a significant protest against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Venice Film Festival: Protest Against Israel’s Actions in Gaza
As the 82nd Venice Film Festival approaches, a press conference was held this morning at the festival’s main venue to announce a march scheduled for this Saturday on the Lido. This demonstration aims to denounce Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Support for the Cause
In front of the Sala Grande, numerous supporters waving Palestinian flags chanted slogans such as “Free, free Palestine” and “Stop, stop genocide.” Martina Vergnano, a spokesperson for the event, addressed the media, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Highlighting the Humanitarian Crisis
The worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip will be a focal point at the festival. Hundreds of local political and grassroots organizations have pledged their support for the “Stop the Genocide in Palestine” protest, which, although not officially part of the Biennale, aims to amplify voices of dissent during the festival.
Mobilization and Solidarity
Vergnano stated that the appeal for the march has garnered significant attention, with hundreds of signatures from political groups and associations across the Veneto region and beyond. She expressed hope that the festival’s spotlight would shine on the plight of Palestinians.
Reporters gather in front of the #VeniceFilmFestival red carpet for a press conference about the Gaza protest taking place on Aug 30 at the festival.
Organizers are protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and are calling for an “end to the genocide” and a “free Palestine” pic.twitter.com/OJB6MsYKLN
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 27, 2025
Transportation for Participants
To facilitate participation, a motorboat will depart from Marghera, allowing those not based in Venice to join the march. Currently, there are hundreds of individuals signed up, including artists, directors, and actors, all mobilizing for this cause.
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Call for Institutional Response
When asked about the potential exclusion of Israeli artists from the festival, Vergnano asserted that institutions must take a clear stance on such issues, reflecting the realities outside their walls.
Open Letter from Cinema Professionals
Last weekend, an open letter signed by hundreds of Italian cinema professionals under the banner of Venice4Palestine (V4P) urged the Venice Film Festival and its governing body, the Biennale, to take a more courageous stand against the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing occurring throughout Palestine.
Response from the Biennale
In response, the Biennale stated that it has always been a platform for open discussion on pressing societal issues. They highlighted the selection of films addressing these themes, including Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tells the story of a young girl’s death while fleeing Gaza City.
Upcoming Festival Highlights
As reported, notable figures in Hollywood, including Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix, are supporting The Voice of Hind Rajab ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, which kicks off this evening.
Context of the Conflict
The festival coincides with the second anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks on Southern Israel, which resulted in significant loss of life and ongoing conflict. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has led to a staggering number of casualties, with accusations of genocide being met with strong rebuttals from human rights organizations.
