Chants of 'Free Palestine' rose from the stage in Venice

The world's oldest cinema festival, which began on August 27th on the Lido Peninsula in Venice, Italy, famous for its canals, concluded with an awards ceremony held on the night of September 6th. The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," which tells the story of 5-year-old Palestinian Hind Rajab, who lost her life in an attack by the Israeli army, was awarded the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania said she dedicated her award to the Palestinian Red Crescent and those saving lives in Gaza. Hania emphasized that the film is the voice of Gaza and a call for help to the entire world, but no one has answered. Stating that Hind's voice will continue to echo until justice is achieved, the director stated that Israel's crimes remain unpunished. Recalling that Hind's mother and sister are still under bombardment in Gaza, Hania stated that their survival is not a charity, but a humanitarian responsibility. She concluded her speech with the words "Free Palestine."

Other directors at the festival also showed their support for Palestine. Ana Cristina Barragan, who won the Orizzonti Best Screenplay award for “The Ivy,” concluded her speech with the words “Free Palestine.” Anuparna Roy, who won the Best Director award for “Songs of Forgotten Trees,” emphasized that every child deserves peace, freedom, and liberation, saying, “Palestine is no exception.” Roy stated that standing with Palestine is a responsibility. Maryam Touzani, director of “Calle Malaga,” which won the Armani Beauty Audience Award, highlighted the daily oppression in Palestine. Touzani moved the audience with her words, “How many mothers have been left childless? How many children have been left motherless and fatherless? They have lost everything. How many more will lose before this horror ends?”