Pro-Palestine Protesters Disrupt Venice Film Festival Premiere

Pro-Palestinian activists disrupted the Venice Film Festival on September 5, 2023, as Hollywood stars gathered for the premiere of Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein. An estimated 5,000 demonstrators marched to the festival, chanting the controversial slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which some interpret as a call for the destruction of Israel.

The protest coincided with the appearance of A-list celebrities, including Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, who star in the film. As the protesters approached the festival venue, Italian police established barriers to separate them from the red carpet event. Demonstrators carried flags and banners that read “Stop Starving Gaza,” drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Venice Film Festival, which began on August 27, has attracted numerous prominent figures, with a star-studded lineup featuring names such as Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Kim Kardashian. One notable absence was Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who has faced criticism for her support of Israel, despite being scheduled to appear alongside Gerard Butler in the film In the Hand of Dante.

While the protests aimed to spotlight the Palestinian cause, the noise from paparazzi and the glamour surrounding the premiere largely overshadowed their message. Anticipating protests, festival organizers had implemented extensive security measures, including body scanners and bag checks, to ensure the safety of attendees.

Alberto Barbero, the festival’s director, confirmed that invitations to Gadot and Butler were not revoked but acknowledged that Gadot would not attend. He stated, “The position of the Biennale is on the one hand we are an Italian cultural institution, a place of openness and debate that does not censor anybody.” Barbero also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the suffering of civilians, especially children.

The protests at the festival reflect a broader divide within the film community regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Brad Pitt is set to present the film The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tells the story of a young Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces during the conflict. The film, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, features executive producers Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara.

As the festival continues until September 6, Frankenstein competes for top awards alongside films such as Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia and Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite. The winners will be announced by the jury led by Alexander Payne. Netflix plans to release Frankenstein in theaters on October 17 before making it available for streaming on November 7.

The Venice Film Festival remains a significant cultural event, attracting global attention and sparking important conversations about art, politics, and social justice.