Venice Film Festival 2025: Jury President Alexander Payne answered Gaza’s questions at the inauguration of the festival

The ongoing massacre in Gaza dominated the opening press conference of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, but the Jury President Alexander Payne avoided taking a firm stand when asked about the struggle.

“Quite clearly, I feel a little untrained for that question,” Payne told reporters. “I am here to judge and talk about cinema. My political views, I am sure, are compromising with many of you.”

Oscar winning director Holdover Gaza faced frequent questions about the festival situation, including whether he would sign an open letter from Italian filmmakers, urging Venice to condemn Israeli military functions and actor Gall Gal Gal Galt and Gerard Butler, both appeared in Julian Shanabel. Dante’s handPayne reiterated that his role was limited to the jury duties.

Alberto Barbera, the head of the festival, however, addressed the controversy directly. “We have been asked to reduce the invitation to the artists; we will not do so,” he said. “If they want to stay on the festival, they will stay here. On the other hand, we have never hesitated to declare our huge sadness and the victim clearly in Gaza and Palestine.”

The Bienle also pointed out his programming as evidence of engagement, citing Kayuthar Ben Hania’s competition entry The voice of Hind RajabWhich tells the true story of a six -year -old girl trapped after an Israeli attack.

Outside the festival, the political atmosphere was equally visible. Opening Day “included a red carpet protests with the banner to read the free Palestine. Stop the massacre, while the organizers announced a big March plan for August 30.

Despite paying attention to politics, Payne while talking about the permanent role of cinema said that he liked and added “Cathedral of the Cinema” and adding films: “Can a film be changed to society and culture? I don’t know, but at least when we make films that are relevant for time, we leave a document.”