Sarah Friedland
This year’s Venice Film Festival took a dramatic turn as several prize winners took to the stage to declare their solidarity with the people of Palestine and protest against Israel’s military operation against Gaza. The most moving statement, however, could be that of US director Sarah Friedland when she spoke about the continuing conflict during her acceptance speech as she won the prestigious Luigi de Laurentiis Award with Familiar Touch.
As a Jewish American artist working in the time-based medium, I must note that I’m accepting this award on the 336th day of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the 76th year of occupation,” Friedland said, highlighting the fact. Then she asked filmmakers to use their platforms to light up and mobilize against Israel’s military actions. She went on to say, “I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their liberation struggle.”.
This was corroborated by Palestinian filmmaker Scandar Copti, who won an award for Best Screenplay in his film Happy Holidays. Copti referred to the “ongoing genocide in Gaza” and brought attention to the heavy price of oppression Palestinians are paying. Both speeches attracted much applause and brought worldwide attention to the increasing conflict.
The speeches came amidst reports of growing violence in Gaza, with the enclave’s health ministry claiming more than 40,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict. Friedland and Copti spoke before many who cried throughout their addresses as the duo explained the place of the artist or filmmaker in bringing humanitarian causes to the fore.
The festival showcased cinematographic mastery, utilized this year as a platform for political expression in calling for justice and accountability across the globe.
To Read More: Click Here