Venice Hosts Biggest-Ever Pro-Palestine Protest at a Film Event
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Thousands march in Lido district, calling for Gaza ceasefire.
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The Venice Film Festival wasn’t just about red carpets this weekend — it turned into the backdrop for what organizers say is the biggest protest ever at a film event. Thousands of people flooded the city’s Lido district on Saturday, waving Palestinian flags, chanting “Free Palestine,” and demanding an end to Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
A loud call for Gaza
Protesters didn’t hold back. From peace banners to flares, stilts, and even paper boats laid on the ground, the march was designed to be both visual and powerful. Police closed down major roads as the crowd made its way toward the festival’s main hub, turning the glamorous event into a political stage.
Why it matters
The group Venice4Palestine, backed by dozens of associations, said the demonstration was about making sure the festival wasn’t “isolated from reality.” Their statement accused Israel of genocide, condemned Western governments for supporting it, and highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
Festival’s response
Venice Festival director Alberto Barbera said the event wouldn’t cancel any invited stars, but he did acknowledge the “huge sadness” over the war. Jury president Alexander Payne kept it neutral, saying his job was “to judge and talk about cinema.”
Films reflecting the conflict
This year’s line-up actually includes films tied to Gaza, like The Voice of Hind Rajab, telling the story of a six-year-old girl killed during the conflict. Big names like Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara are backing the project, giving it even more attention ahead of its Venice debut.