Rising Outrage in Hollywood Over Gaza Crisis
Prominent Hollywood celebrities are speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza, condemning the silence of the global film industry. In an open letter released ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, stars such as Riz Ahmed, Juliette Binoche, Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Guillermo del Toro joined hundreds of fellow artists in demanding accountability and action.
The letter, co-published in Libération and Variety, states: “We cannot remain silent while genocide is taking place in Gaza.” It was originally signed by 370 filmmakers and actors and has now been endorsed by 59 additional high-profile signatories, bringing renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis.
Honoring Fatma Hassona: A Life Cut Short
The catalyst for this renewed outcry was the tragic death of Fatma Hassona, a 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist featured in the documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, directed by Sepideh Farsi. The film, which debuted at Cannes in the ACID selection, highlights her story. Just a day after its selection was announced, Hassona was killed in an Israeli airstrike on her family home in northern Gaza, along with ten relatives, including her pregnant sister.
The letter also referenced Hamdan Ballal, the Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker behind No Other Land, who was reportedly attacked by settlers and detained by the Israeli army, later released only after international pressure. The Academy’s lack of support triggered criticism, prompting a public apology.
A Call to Action from the Creative Community
The letter challenges the film community’s silence, asking why a medium known for its commitment to justice has failed to confront the atrocities in Gaza. It states:
“Cinema has a duty to carry their messages, to reflect our societies. Let us refuse to let our art be an accomplice to the worst.”
It continues with a direct appeal to cultural workers to break through propaganda, name injustices, and uphold the responsibility of storytelling in times of crisis.
The list of signatories includes Mark Ruffalo, Ralph Fiennes, Yorgos Lanthimos, Javier Bardem, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Leigh, David Cronenberg, Melissa Barrera, and more. Their collective voices are now challenging the institutions of cinema to stop turning away from ongoing violence and to champion the oppressed through their platforms.
