Venice Film Festival Denies Boycott Claims Amid Gaza War Focus

Venice Film Festival Artistic Director Alberto Barbera has refuted accusations of bias against Israeli cinema, stating that film selection is based solely on quality. The festival has faced scrutiny due to the ongoing war in Gaza and calls for boycotting entities linked to the Israeli government. Barbera asserted in an interview with Variety that a film's nationality is not a reason for its exclusion, adding, "If it were a Russian film, an Israeli film of good quality, we would undoubtedly have invited it." He also highlighted the significant presence of works addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Palestinian issue in this year's program, noting the inclusion of four such films. Barbera emphasized the festival's clear stance on this matter.

The festival's program includes Amos Gitai's "A Journey to Jericho," a co-production between France, the UK, and Israel, which will be screened out of competition. The film incorporates archival footage, including conversations with Yitzhak Rabin and documentation of the Bedouin community in Khan al-Ahmar, countering claims of an absence of Israeli productions.

Additionally, the documentary "NAZA," directed by Israelis Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, is participating in the main competition. Registered as a British production, the film examines what its creators allege are the mechanisms behind the high Palestinian civilian death toll in Gaza. This instance illustrates that a film's director's nationality and country of production can differ.

The festival's atmosphere was further impacted by a controversy surrounding the traditional jury press conference, initially canceled and then reinstated after online criticism. This decision raised questions about potential avoidance of confrontation regarding the Gaza war, especially following last year's incident where jury president Alexander Payne sidestepped a question on the topic. Festival management denied political motives, citing scheduling conflicts.

Separately, over 200 cultural figures, including Roger Waters and Annie Ernaux, signed a letter from Venice4Palestine urging the festival to take concrete steps to support Palestinians. The signatories demanded the display of a Palestinian flag, suspension of agreements with Israeli government-linked entities, and protection for industry professionals speaking out against what they term genocide.