Venice Film Festival opens as directors and Hollywood stars renew support for Palestine

The Venice Film Festival, set to begin, has seen a renewed push for support of Palestine by numerous directors and Hollywood celebrities. Over 200 individuals from the film and culture industries have signed a plea from the Venice4Palestine collective, urging organizers to take concrete action in support of Palestine. This appeal comes a year after a similar call during the 2025 festival.

The collective has urged the Venice Biennale and Venice International Film Festival, as well as professionals in the film, audiovisual, and cultural sectors, to take tangible steps to support Palestine. Notable figures such as Nobel Prize-winning writer Annie Ernaux, musician Roger Waters, actors Guy Pearce and Indya Moore, and director Celine Sciamma have all signed the letter.

The group is also advocating for the Palestinian flag to be displayed throughout the festival, alongside the official selections. Two Palestinian films will be screened at this year’s event: Ahmed Hassouna’s Citizen Osama and Muayad Alayan’s Conversation with the Sea. The letter also demands greater transparency in the film industry and a suspension of agreements with bodies and institutions tied to the Israeli government.

While festival organizers have yet to comment on the appeal, several filmmakers and celebrities have already shown solidarity. Kaouther Ben Hania, a competitor on this year’s jury, incorporated Palestinian symbols into her red-carpet attire, wearing a gown adorned with olive branches. George Clooney backed Mark Ruffalo’s right to criticize the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery merger and its ties to Israel. Clooney emphasized his support for free speech, even when it differs from his own views.