Venice Fest: Barbera Says No to Requests to Exclude Artists

Venice: Venice Film Festival Director Alberto Barbera on Wednesday firmly declined requests from the Venice4Gaza group to exclude certain artists from the event. The group had targeted individuals accused of “supporting genocide” in Gaza, leading to the withdrawal of Israeli actress Gal Gadot and Scottish actor Gerard Butler.

According to Ansa News Agency, Barbera emphasized the festival’s commitment to being a leading Italian cultural institution that fosters openness, discussion, and debate without resorting to censorship. “We reject the request to exclude artists if they intend to attend the Film Festival,” Barbera stated, reinforcing the festival’s stance on inclusivity.

Barbera also addressed the humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza, expressing the festival’s deep distress over the ongoing situation in Gaza and Palestine. His remarks came during the introduction of the festival juries, which are led by Sideways director Alexander Payne. The festival is set to open with La Grazia, the latest film by The Great Beauty director Paolo Sorrentino, and will honor German director Werner Herzog with a career Golden Lion.