Palestine Film Institute Drums Up Support in Cannes — for Films and Gaza

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At the initial press gathering for the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, an uncomfortable silence ensued as the entire jury, headed by French actress and jury president Juliette Binoche, chose not to respond to a reporter’s query concerning the festival’s inaction regarding the conflict in Gaza.

When asked about why she didn’t sign the open letter criticizing Cannes for its lack of support, penned by over 350 filmmakers and industry members such as Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and Javier Bardem, Binoche initially replied with a cryptic statement: “Perhaps you will understand it better later.” She chose not to elaborate further, but fortunately, French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani intervened. However, on Friday, news broke via Variety that Binoche had subsequently joined the list of signatories, along with stars like Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, among others.

The letter discusses the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has reportedly resulted in more than 50,000 deaths among Gazans, as stated by the health ministry that runs under Hamas. For many years, underlying tension had been simmering, but it reached a boiling point when Hamas’ militant group attacked an Israeli music festival on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities.

It’s possible that, in formal speak, the fest has chosen to remain silent about the issue. However, this hasn’t prevented the Marché du Film from inviting the Palestine Film Institute (PFI) at the international village across the Palais. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, public programmer Mohanad Yaqubi states that the hub is not intended as a festive occasion.

He explains that we’re not rejoicing about being in Cannes. Instead, it’s a chance for us to shape the narrative around Palestinian cinema and stories, told by its creators themselves. This is a significant responsibility, and it’s challenging. Some of our team members even have family in Gaza, who are here with us at Cannes. It’s an awkward situation, but we believe that film isn’t just for the wealthy; it should adapt to accommodate us and our unique needs as an oppressed and underrepresented group.

This year’s Pavilion Program in Cannes is the organization’s “most extensive edition yet”, having been introduced for the first time back in 2018. Under the slogan “#HereThereAndForever“, the program encompasses exhibitions, screenings, discussions with producers, and networking events. These events feature a highlight session focusing on Palestinian producers, as well as a gathering with Arab and Tarzan Nasser, filmmakers of the Un Certain Regard film “Once Upon a Time in Gaza“.

Additionally, the PFI (Palestine Film Institute) hosts a selection and welcoming ceremony for the project “From Ground Zero”, a film initiative started by filmmaker Rashid Masharawi focusing on films from Gaza. The completed work is an anthology film made up of eight short documentaries and two full-length movies, created by 22 Palestinian directors who share their experiences of living through air raids in the Gaza Strip.

This year, the highlight of PFI’s Cannes appearance is the simultaneous debut – with founding partners IDFA Bertha Fund, International Media Support, and Arab Fund for Arts and Culture – of the PFI Film Fund. Yaqubi expresses, “This has been one of our long-held dreams. In essence, our goal for the initial three rounds is to finance or aid four to six projects in various formats, at a minimum, to provide them with a foundation upon which they can begin their work.

Additionally, the team is showcasing an exhibit at the pavilion, as mentioned by Fatma Hassouna – a notable Palestinian photojournalist and artist who tragically lost her life in April due to a direct Israeli military attack on her residence in Gaza City. Known as one of the main characters in Sepideh Farsi’s critically acclaimed documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, which premiered at Cannes, Hassouna left an indelible mark in the world of art.

Yaqubi explains how he feels a significant divide exists between the Cannes institute and the festival-goers. “The institute, run by its board members, often adheres to a general French geopolitical stance… On the other hand, the people here are incredibly empathetic and operate in solidarity,” he says. Yaqubi acknowledges that the festival has provided crucial support for them since 2016, and it’s worth noting that this cooperation is not exclusive to the recent conflict.

The PFI primarily relies on donations for its funding. Although the films exhibited at the Marché aren’t exclusively about the Palestinian cause, they are deeply connected to the broader political and societal implications of amplifying Palestinian narratives on a significant global platform through cinema.

As a passionate fan, I’m excited to share that four of our talented producers are part of a producers’ network, showcasing an intriguing collection of projects. I wholeheartedly recommend you take a peek at their lineup. These are the future Palestinian films and stories that require our backing.

Each year, we aim to return. Our attendance matters significantly, and skipping it doesn’t bring about any transformation. It’s essential for us to immerse ourselves, even if the waters are chilly, so that we can instigate changes.

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2025-05-18 08:54