Jewish American director Sarah Friedland condemned Israel during her acceptance speech at the Venice Film Festival, where her debut film “Familiar Touch” won the Luigi de Laurentiis prize for best first film. She expressed solidarity with Palestinians.
She referred to the situation in Gaza as “the 336th day of Israel’s genocide” and highlighted the “76th year of occupation.”
Friedland also received the best director prize in the Horizons section. Kathleen Chalfant, who was awarded best actress for her role in “Familiar Touch”, similarly addressed Israel’s actions in Gaza during her speech.
Both Friedland and Chalfant stressed the duty of filmmakers to speak out against injustices. Friedland stated, “As filmmakers, it’s our responsibility to use the platforms we have to challenge Israel’s impunity on the global stage. I stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation.”
The awards ceremony saw multiple filmmakers voicing support for Palestine, including Palestinian director Scandar Copti, who won best screenplay for “Happy Holidays” and condemned the ongoing violence.
