More than 380 film professionals critcised Israel’s actions during the Gaza war in an open letter published on May 13th, before the Cannes Film Festival began, according to Middle East Eye.
The signatories included the actors Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon, as well as directors Pedro Almodovar and Ruben Ostlund. They condemned what they described as a “genocide” in Gaza, citing the killing of Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna by Israeli attacks.
Hassouna died a day after Cannes announced her documentary, Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk. Iranian director Sepideh Farsi directed the film, which highlights Hassouna’s work before an attack in northern Gaza killed her along with ten relatives.
British director Jonathan Glazer, who won an Oscar for The Zone of Interest, also signed the letter. He was joined by actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem.
This public condemnation follows earlier Hollywood activism. On October 20th, 2023, Variety magazine reported on October 20th 2023— as Levantis cited—that over 50 actors, including Cate Blanchett and Joaquin Phoenix, urged Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Their letter, published by Variety, highlighted the moral responsibility of global leaders. It called on them to stop the bloodshed and protect civilians on both sides.
Research published in The Lancet found the actual death toll may be 40% higher than official records, as reported by Al-Monitor via AFP on January 9th. The study used multiple sources, including obituaries and hospital records, to estimate that over 64,000 people likely died. This figure far exceeds the Gaza Health Ministry’s reported total of 37,877.
The Gaza Health Ministry estimated that over 61,700 Palestinians had died, Middle East Eye reported on April 15th. Many remain trapped under rubble, while tens of thousands of children suffer severe malnutrition and worsening illness daily.
Al-Monitor via AFP, Middle East Eye, Variety magazine, Al-Monitor via AFP
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