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\u2019s perceived **passivity** in relation to the ongoing conflict in **Gaza**.<\/p>\n
When asked about an **open letter** signed by more than **350 filmmakers** and industry professionals\u2014including well-known names like **Richard Gere**, **Susan Sarandon**, and **Javier Bardem**\u2014that 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, \u201cYou will maybe understand it a little later,\u201d but declined to elaborate. Fortunately, French Moroccan writer **Le\u00efla 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.<\/p>\n
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**.<\/p>\n
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 **March\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not celebrating being in Cannes,\u201d Yaqubi began. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to celebrate for us\u2026 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.\u201d He added that some of their members have families currently living in **Gaza**, noting the discomfort of their situation. \u201cThis industry should not represent only the affluent. We must strive for it to accommodate our needs as an **oppressed** and **underrepresented** group.\u201d<\/p>\n
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**.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
One of the key highlights of the PFI\u2019s 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**. \u201cThis is one of our dream projects,\u201d Yaqubi shared. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s** documentary **Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk**, which premiered at Cannes.<\/p>\n
When questioned about their level of support from the festival, Yaqubi remarked, \u201cThere 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.\u201d He emphasized the ongoing partnership, noting, \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t be here without the solidarity of the festival, which began long before the current war.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cWe have a delegation of four producers participating in a producers\u2019 network, with an impressive slate of films,\u201d Yaqubi stressed. \u201cThese upcoming **Palestinian films** and narratives need your support.\u201d As he concluded, \u201cWe hope to return every year; our presence here is vital. Staying away will not create change; we must immerse ourselves and work towards transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n