Gaza's major festival, supported by Hollywood, commences

In the heart of Venice, the Venice Film Festival played host to a powerful and thought-provoking film this week - "The Voice of Hind Rajab." Directed by Julian Schnabel, the film is a dramatization based on true events, shedding light on the harrowing story of a murdered Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab in the Gaza Strip.

At the forefront of the film is a three-hour phone call, a central element in the narrative, made to Palestinian Red Crescent volunteers during the girl's desperate attempt to flee the city. Tragically, Hind Rajab died in January 2024, and her rescuers, reportedly, were killed on their way.

The film, part of the competition at the Venice Film Festival, marks a significant milestone, giving the Gaza conflict its first major stage at an A-festival. The film's premiere received unusually long applause and standing ovations, lasting more than 20 minutes.

The film team issued a political appeal at the press conference, accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This assertion has been met with controversy, with both Israel and the German government rejecting the genocide accusation. They claim their aim is to dismantle the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas, not to destroy the Palestinian people.

The film stars a stellar cast, including Gerard Butler, who is part of the main cast, and Gal Gadot, who plays Gemma Donati. However, specific information about their physical attendance at the premiere is not explicitly confirmed. The film was produced by Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix.

Director Julian Schnabel chose the actors for their acting prowess and declined to comment on the Gaza War and "Hind Rajab" debate. Schnabel also did not comment on the exclusion calls for Gadot and Butler, who have expressed support for Israel in the past.

Another film causing a stir at the festival is "In The Hand of Dante," a historical crime thriller scheduled to premiere after "The Voice of Hind Rajab." However, due to pro-Palestinian activist pressure, Gerard Butler and Gal Gadot were not expected to attend.

During the premiere, "Free Palestine" chants were heard, and some people waved Palestinian flags. The film's powerful narrative and the political debates it has sparked promise a thought-provoking and impactful presence at the Venice Film Festival.