How will films portray the Gaza crisis at Cannes?

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Films at Cannes Will Portray the Gaza Crisis Through Documentaries and Fictional Narratives

The Cannes Film Festival will feature several films addressing the Gaza crisis, including a documentary whose protagonist was killed in an Israeli airstrike and fictional features by Gazan and Israeli filmmakers. These selections highlight the ongoing conflict and its human impact, offering diverse perspectives on the situation in Gaza.
Documentary Protagonist Killed in Israeli Strike

Fatima Hassouna, a 25-year-old Gazan photojournalist and the main character in Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi's documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on April 16. She died along with 10 relatives in their family home, just one day after learning her film had been selected for the festival. Farsi created the documentary using video calls with Hassouna over more than 200 days of the war. The Cannes Film Festival expressed its profound sorrow over Hassouna's death.
Gazan Twin Brothers Present "Once Upon a Time in Gaza"

Gazan twin brothers Arab and Tarzan Nasser will screen their film Once Upon a Time in Gaza. This fictional narrative is set in Gaza in 2007, the year Hamas began tightening its control over the territory, and follows two friends involved in drug peddling from a falafel shop. The film is part of the Un Certain Regard section at the festival, continuing the Nasser brothers' tradition of showcasing works set in Gaza, though often filmed elsewhere due to the circumstances.
Israeli Director to Screen Film About Post-October 7th Society

Israeli director Nadav Lapid, known for his critical stance on government policies, will present his film Yes in the Directors' Fortnight program. This film focuses on a jazz musician who is tasked with composing music for a new national anthem in the wake of the October 7th attacks. Lapid's selection provides an Israeli perspective on the aftermath of the conflict.
Cannes Festival Contextualizes Conflict Through Film

The inclusion of these films at Cannes underscores the festival's role in reflecting contemporary global issues. Last year, the conflict was also present, notably when actor Cate Blanchett wore a dress interpreted as a symbol of support for Palestine. The festival's programming this year, featuring works from filmmakers directly impacted by or critically observing the Gaza crisis, ensures the ongoing conflict remains a significant topic of discussion among attendees and audiences.

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How will films portray the Gaza crisis at Cannes?

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