Introduction to the Venice Festival

The Venice Film Festival has begun, and the topic of the ongoing war in Gaza has taken over the first day of the festival. Alberto Barbera, the artistic director of the festival, stated that guests are not removed from the festival due to their political views.

The Position of the Biennale

Barbera said, "The position of the Biennale is one of openness and debate that does not censor anyone. We were asked to reject artists – we won’t do that. If you want to be here, you will be here." The Activist Collective Venice4palestine had requested the festival to disinvite stars Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler for what the collective perceives as the support of the actors for the Israeli government.

The Ongoing War in Gaza

Barbera expressed his sadness and concern about the situation in Gaza, stating, "We have never hesitated to explain our huge sadness and suffering from what happens in Gaza and Palestine. The death of the civilian population and especially children who are victims – they are the collateral damage of a war that no one has yet ended."

Upcoming Demonstrations

The problem will dominate the opening days of the festival, with a small demonstration planned in front of the red carpet and a larger march for Saturday. Teona Strugar Mitevska, director of the opening film "Mother," is one of over 1,500 signatories in Venice4palestine’s open letter to the festival, asking the event to "take a clear and firm stand that condemns the continuing genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing throughout Palestine by the government and the army."

The Festival’s Opening

The festival will be opened with Paolo Sorrentino’s world premiere "Grace." However, the company distributing the film, Mubi, has been criticized for accepting an investment from Sequoia Capital, which also invests in Israeli defense technology. Sorrentino refused to answer questions about Mubi in the press conference.

The Jury’s Position

Jury President Alexander Payne also refused to discuss the situation in Gaza, stating, "I am not prepared for this question. My political views are sure to agree with many of them. I am here to judge and speak about cinema." Payne added that questions about the position of the festival about Gaza would be better directed to Barbera.

The Impact of Cinema

Payne discussed the decline of cinemas and the rise of streaming platforms, as well as their impact on the cultural footprint of films. He said, "I complain that many great films, both of artistic and political importance, are not part of a larger conversation – certainly not part of the cinematic conversation – because of the distribution means." Payne admitted that he "watches many films on my stomach at night," but prefers to see them in the cinema, and questioned whether a film can change society and culture.

Conclusion

The Venice Film Festival will run until Saturday, September 6th, and it remains to be seen how the situation in Gaza will continue to impact the festival. With many attendees and participants expressing their opinions and concerns, the festival is sure to be a platform for discussion and debate about this important issue.