Jewish director voices support for "Palestinian's struggle for liberation" in Film Festival speech

Jewish American director Sarah Friedland spoke out in support of Palestinians during her acceptance speech after receiving an award for her debut film ‘Familiar Touch’ at the Venice Film Festival.

Friedland's speech was widely praised on social media for courageously using her platform to highlight the ongoing Israeli atrocities in the Gaza Strip.

She began her speech with a powerful statement, describing Israel as a usurper state.

“I must note that I am accepting this award on the 336th day of Israeli genocide in Gaza and the 76th year of occupation,” Friedland said while receiving a round of applause from the audience.

She continued, “I believe it is our responsibility as filmmakers to use the institutional platforms available to us to address Israel’s impunity on the global stage.”

Friedland concluded her speech by expressing unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, saying, “I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for liberation.”

Jewish American filmmaker Sarah Friedland voiced her support for Palestine as she collected the award for Best Debut Feature at the 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival.

Friedland, in her acceptance speech, said she stood with the Palestinians who are in “the 336th day of… pic.twitter.com/YYDz2J4uHK

— TRT World (@trtworld) September 8, 2024

Pro-Palestinian supporters laudedthe filmmaker for her unflinching stance on the war-torn region, especially as prominent celebrities with access to resources and large followings refrained from condemning Israeli actions.

Several celebrities at the Venice Film Festival expressed their support for Palestine in their speeches or through various gestures, including wearing keffiyehs, T-shirts, Palestinian solidarity pins, or holding pro-Palestinian banners.

Italian actor Lino Musella sported a "Free Palestine" T-shirt, while actress Laura Morante wore a royal blue kaftan and carried a fan displaying the handwritten message, “Stop the Gaza genocide. More than 40,000 killed, over 16,000 children.”

Earlier, the inclusion of two Israeli films in the festival sparked criticism, prompting the group Artists for Palestine Italia to write an open letter to the festival organisers condemning the decision. The letter was signed by over 350 industry professionals.