Thousands protest for Palestine during Venice Film Festival

31/8/2025 17:27

About 5,000 demonstrators marched on Venice's Lido island Saturday during the Venice Film Festival, waving Palestinian flags and banners reading "Stop Genocide" and chanting "Free Palestine."



"We want to use the festival's influence to call for peace," a demonstrator identified as Sandro told Xinhua at the site. "Civilians and children should not be victims of war."



The festival's president, Alberto Barbera, said the event would not issue political statements but stressed it remained "a platform for dialogue," expressing sorrow over the plight of civilians in Gaza.



This year's lineup includes "The Voice of Hind Rajab" by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, a competition entry highlighting the story of a Palestinian child killed in the conflict.



The 82nd festival runs from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6 with 21 films competing for the Golden Lion.