As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, the 82nd Venice Film Festival has become not only a showcase for cinema but also a platform for political expression.
From demonstrations outside the venue to gestures of solidarity at press conferences, the festival – which runs until September 6 – has already highlighted the intersection between art and activism.
Here’s a look at the key moments so far:
1. ‘Stop the Genocide’ banner on opening day
On August 27, around 20 protesters representing Venice4Palestine unfurled a banner reading “Free Palestine, Stop the Genocide” outside the Palazzo del Cinema. Waving Palestinian flags, they drew international media attention before the opening ceremony.
“We need to use the attention here during the film festival to shift the focus on to Palestine,” protester Giulia Cacopardo told AFP.
2. Yorgos Lanthimos wears Palestinian flag pin
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos wore a Palestinian flag pin at the press conference and red carpet premiere of his new film Bugonia. Though he made no political statement, the gesture drew attention on social media and among festival guests.
The film – an English-language remake of the Korean movie Save the Green Planet! starring Emma Stone – premiered on August 28. It explores themes of paranoia and distrust in modern society.
3. Venice4Palestine’s open letter
On August 23, the collective Venice4Palestine circulated an open letter, with more than 1,500 signatories from the Italian film industry, urging festival organisers to amplify Palestinian narratives.
“We all have a duty to amplify the stories and voices of those who are being massacred,” it read.
The letter also called for the exclusion of Israeli actors such as Gal Gadot, who has publicly expressed pro-Israel views. Gadot stars in In the Hand of Dante, a film scheduled to premiere at the festival on Wednesday, but the actress is reportedly not scheduled to attend this year’s event.
4. Festival director emphasises neutrality
Festival director Alberto Barbera addressed the issue by stressing Venice’s position as a space for dialogue, not boycott.
“We don’t boycott anyone, of course, and we’re open to all possible speeches about the contemporary situation,” Barbera told Reuters, while expressing sorrow over civilian casualties in Gaza.
5. Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix back The Voice of Hind Rajab
Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix are among the prominent figures supporting The Voice of Hind Rajab, one of the most politically-charged films in this year’s competition. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the drama tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza while trying to flee with her family.
The film premieres on September 3, and its inclusion in the main competition has been seen as a significant decision by festival organisers, ensuring that a Palestinian narrative is placed firmly on the international stage.
6. 'Largest protest ever seen at a major film event'
Thousands of people, including festival guests and members of the public, marched through the streets of the Italian city’s Lido district, calling for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Police shut down main roads as protesters carrying Palestinian flags, peace banners and signs reading “Stop the Genocide” made their way toward the festival’s central area.
Chants of “Free, Free Palestine” echoed across the waterfront, while others used stilts, music, flares and foghorns to amplify their message. Demonstrators also placed paper boats on the ground as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians. The march was organised by Venice4Palestine with the support of numerous associations.
7. Jury president avoids Gaza comment
Festival jury president Alexander Payne did not publicly support Venice4Palestine, in contrast to the Cannes Film Festival in May, where jury president Juliette Binoche signed an open letter condemning the “genocide” in Gaza.
Instead Payne, commented on the wider debate, saying that while films may not alter global politics directly, they “serve as essential historical documents reflecting societal awareness”.
8. More support for Palestine on the red carpet
French-Moroccan producer Nabil Ayouch and Moroccan director Maryam Touzani displayed a pro-Palestinian message on the red carpet. Touzani was carrying a purse with a keffiyeh design. Standing beside Ayouch, she opened it to reveal the words “Stop the genocide in Gaza” written inside.
Italian actor Michele Riondino wore a pin that read "Free Palestine" on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening of the movie The Holy Boy, while Italian producer Stefano Sardo wore a T-shirt that read "Venice for Palestine" at the film festival.
