Protesting crowds march in Venice, disrupting the city's festival, in solidarity with the ongoing Gaza conflict
Pro-Palestinian Activists March at Venice Film Festival in Protest Against Gaza War
Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists took to the streets of Venice on September 9, 2022, during the international film festival, marching in protest against the ongoing war in Gaza. The demonstration, organised by pro-Palestinian activists, workers in film, media, and news fields, aimed to break the silence on what they called systematic violence by the Israeli army.
The protestors, a mix of young and old, students, unionists, activists, and cultural figures, gathered near Quattro Fontane, carrying signs that read "Mothers of Gaza we are with you," "You are all an audience to genocide," and "Stop the genocide! Free Palestine!". They waved Palestinian, Italian, rainbow flags, union, and socialist banners as they marched.
The march came within approximately 1,000 feet of the Venice film festival's red carpet, but authorities kept the protest well back from the main festival area. Festival fans were too far away to hear the demonstrators' chants, but their calls for action echoed through the city streets.
The call for a clear stand against Israeli military action on the Gaza strip came days before the world premiere of "The Voice of Hind Rajab". More than 600 artists and filmmakers signed an open letter urging the Biennale to condemn what they called "genocide in Gaza" and ensure Palestinian stories are represented on the Lido.
The demonstration disrupted bus services and film junkets at nearby hotels, but remained peaceful throughout. The crowd of pro-Palestinian activists moved towards the Palazzo del Cinema, where the festival was taking place, but were blocked by Italian police just outside.
The Gaza war has cast a shadow over this year's Venice film festival, with many attending expressing concern and solidarity with the Palestinian people. The festival organisers have yet to make a public statement regarding the protests or the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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