Cannes: As the Cannes Film Festival prepares to open, over 380 prominent figures from the global cinema industry have issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing violence in Gaza, describing it as "genocide." This open letter, published in Libération and Variety, calls for an immediate end to the attacks and urges the world to acknowledge the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The signatories of the letter include celebrated actors like Ralph Fiennes, known for his role in Schindler’s List, as well as Hollywood icons Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon. Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar and former Cannes winner Ruben Ostlund are also among those lending their voices to this powerful statement.
The letter emphasizes the killing of Gaza photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, a 25-year-old who tragically lost her life in an Israeli airstrike on her family home in northern Gaza. In addition to Hassouna, ten of her relatives were killed in the attack. Hassouna's work was significant, as she was featured in a documentary directed by Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi. The documentary was set to premiere at Cannes as part of the ACID selection on Thursday, but now serves as a somber reminder of the devastating toll the conflict has taken on innocent lives.
By speaking out, these cinematic figures are using their platform to amplify global awareness of the ongoing violence, joining the broader international conversation about the need for peace and the protection of civilians in Gaza. The letter underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating crisis, as world leaders and the international community struggle to find a path toward a ceasefire and lasting resolution.
