Awkward Silence at Cannes Film Festival Press Conference
The atmosphere was notably tense during the first press conference of the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. The entire jury, led by acclaimed French actress and jury president **Juliette Binoche**, was uncharacteristically silent when a journalist raised an **important question** about the festival’s perceived **passivity** in relation to the ongoing conflict in **Gaza**.
The Open Letter and Binoche’s Response
When asked about an **open letter** signed by more than **350 filmmakers** and industry professionals—including well-known names like **Richard Gere**, **Susan Sarandon**, and **Javier Bardem**—that criticized Cannes for its lack of support regarding the situation, Binoche appeared unsettled. She vaguely expressed her reasons for not signing the letter by stating, “You will maybe understand it a little later,” but declined to elaborate. Fortunately, French Moroccan writer **Leïla Slimani** stepped in to diffuse the situation. However, it was reported by **Variety** on Friday that Binoche had subsequently added her name to the letter, joining **Eddington** stars **Joaquin Phoenix** and **Pedro Pascal**, among others.
The Context of the Conflict
The letter directly references the escalating **Middle East conflict**, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over **50,000 Gazans**, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The situation intensified following a violent incursion by the Hamas militant group during an Israeli **music festival** on October 7, 2023, which tragically claimed nearly **1,200 lives**.
Cannes’ Official Stance on the Matter
Despite the apparent urgency of the situation, the Cannes Film Festival seems to have adopted a policy of silence regarding the ongoing conflict. Nevertheless, the **Marché du Film** has made strides by welcoming the **Palestine Film Institute (PFI)** to its international village beside the **Palais**. Public programmer **Mohanad Yaqubi** emphasized to **The Hollywood Reporter** that their presence is not one of celebration.
Addressing the Narrative of Palestinian Cinema
“We’re not celebrating being in Cannes,” Yaqubi began. “There’s nothing to celebrate for us… Our focus lies in how we can reorient the narrative surrounding **Palestinian cinema** and stories through the voices of the filmmakers themselves. We feel an immense responsibility, which is incredibly challenging.” He added that some of their members have families currently living in **Gaza**, noting the discomfort of their situation. “This industry should not represent only the affluent. We must strive for it to accommodate our needs as an **oppressed** and **underrepresented** group.”
The Pavilion Program: A Platform for Palestinian Voices
The Pavilion Program this year marks the **PFI’s** most ambitious initiative since its inception in 2018. Under the hashtag **#HereThereAndForever**, it includes showcases, screenings, producer discussions, and meet-and-greet events. Highlights include a spotlight session on **Palestinian producers** and a reception featuring **Arab** and **Tarzan Nasser**, acclaimed filmmakers behind the **Un Certain Regard** picture **Once Upon a Time in Gaza**.
Films Born from Conflict
Additionally, the PFI is hosting a screening and reception for **From Ground Zero**, an initiative launched by filmmaker **Rashid Masharawi** that consists of an anthology of eight short documentaries and two feature-length films created by **22 Palestinian directors**. These films poignantly address life under **air strikes** in the Gaza Strip.
Launch of the PFI Film Fund
One of the key highlights of the PFI’s participation in Cannes this year is the launching of the **PFI Film Fund**, in collaboration with organizations including the **IDFA Bertha Fund**, **International Media Support**, and the **Arab Fund for Arts and Culture**. “This is one of our dream projects,” Yaqubi shared. “The goal for the first three rounds is to fund or support between four to six projects across various formats, helping to provide a foundational base for filmmakers to begin their work.”
A Tribute to Palestinian Artists
Ye-mentioned Pavilion also features an exhibition by the late **Fatma Hassouna**, a Palestinian photojournalist and artist who tragically lost her life in April due to an **Israeli military strike** on her home in Gaza City. Hassouna was also a key figure in **Sepideh Farsi’s** documentary **Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk**, which premiered at Cannes.
Challenges and Solidarity at Cannes
When questioned about their level of support from the festival, Yaqubi remarked, “There is a significant disconnect between the **Cannes** institute and the people. We acknowledge these differences; the institute’s board members tend to follow a broader French geopolitical position. However, the staff working here are quite empathetic and stand in solidarity with us.” He emphasized the ongoing partnership, noting, “We wouldn’t be here without the solidarity of the festival, which began long before the current war.”
Looking Forward: The Future of Palestinian Cinema
The **PFI** primarily relies on donations for funding and aims not only to showcase purely Palestinian causes but also to intertwine their **narratives** within a broader political context. “We have a delegation of four producers participating in a producers’ network, with an impressive slate of films,” Yaqubi stressed. “These upcoming **Palestinian films** and narratives need your support.” As he concluded, “We hope to return every year; our presence here is vital. Staying away will not create change; we must immerse ourselves and work towards transformation.”