Jewish- American filmmaker Sarah Friedland spoke out against Israel’s genocide of Gaza during an awards ceremony at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday. While accepting the Luigi de Laurentiis prize for best first film for ‘Familiar Touch,’ Sarah Friedland said, “I’m accepting this award on the 336th day of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and 76th year of occupation,” as loud applause broke out in the packed hall.
“I believe it is our responsibility as filmmakers to use the institutional platforms through which we work to redress Israel’s impunity on the global stage. I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for liberation,” Friedland stressed as the applause continued.
Israel’s genocide in Gaza has now entered its 12th month, with over 40,939 people killed and 94,619 wounded since October 7, 2023.
