Scandalous statements at the Venice Film Festival

Filmmaker Sarah Friedland sparked outrage with her comments at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on Saturday. 

Speaking "as a Jewish American artist," Friedland condemned what she called the "Israeli genocide in Gaza" while accepting an award for her film, "Familiar Touch," presented in the Orizzonti section of the festival.

Her film, which follows the journey of an elderly woman in a medical care facility, won several accolades, including Best Director.

On the stage of the Palazzo del Cinema, Friedland stated, "As a Jewish American artist (...), I must note that I accept this award on the 336th day of the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the 76th year of occupation." She went on to assert, "I believe it is our responsibility, as workers in cinema, to use the institutional platforms through which we work to address Israel's impunity on the world stage. I stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation."

Friedland’s comments have been deemed scandalous by many, particularly due to the lack of acknowledgment of the Hamas attack on October 7 in Israel.

There was no mention of the Israeli hostages, nor of the massacres committed by Hamas. Her statements were criticized for appearing to deny Israel's right to exist by referring to the "76th year of occupation."

Critics argue that Friedland, who they claim lacks understanding of the complex political realities, should focus on her filmmaking rather than making inflammatory political statements. Her remarks have been seen by some as an abuse of the platform provided by the Venice Film Festival to promote a one-sided narrative.