Venezia 83: Gaza, Russia, and Artistic Freedom Tensions Mark the Lido
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival is taking place from September 2 to 12, set against the backdrop of political strife stemming from the Gaza conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The festival opens with 'Ink,' directed by Danny Boyle, which addresses Rupert Murdoch's media power. The Venice4Palestine group has urged actions such as flying the Palestinian flag, with supporters including Annie Ernaux and Roger Waters. Among the featured films is 'NAZA,' a documentary about Israeli bombings in Gaza. 'DAU' by Ilya Khrzhanovsky faces backlash over supposed Russian connections but is defended as anti-totalitarian. The Biennale is at odds with the EU due to the withdrawal of funding linked to the reopening of the Russian Pavilion, raising issues of cultural freedom versus political accountability.
Key facts
- The 83rd Venice Film Festival runs from September 2 to 12.
- Opening film is 'Ink' by Danny Boyle, about Rupert Murdoch.
- Venice4Palestine collective appeals for Palestinian flag display and suspension of ties with Israeli-linked organizations.
- Signatories include Annie Ernaux, Roger Waters, Matteo Garrone, Marco Bellocchio, Abel Ferrara, Valeria Golino, Alba and Alice Rohrwacher, Nan Goldin.
- Documentary 'NAZA' by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, produced with the Guardian, is in competition.
- Ukrainian ministries protest 'DAU' by Ilya Khrzhanovsky over alleged Russian capital connections.
- EU revoked €2 million funding from Biennale after Russian Pavilion reopened at 2026 Art Biennale.
- Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defends the institution's inclusive stance.
Entities
Artists
- Danny Boyle
- Rupert Murdoch
- Elon Musk
- Yuval Abraham
- Rachel Szor
- Ilya Khrzhanovsky
- Lev Landau
- Annie Ernaux
- Roger Waters
- Matteo Garrone
- Marco Bellocchio
- Abel Ferrara
- Valeria Golino
- Alba Rohrwacher
- Alice Rohrwacher
- Nan Goldin
- Alberto Barbera
- Pietrangelo Buttafuoco
Institutions
- Venice Film Festival
- Biennale di Venezia
- Venice4Palestine
- Guardian
- Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ukrainian Ministry of Culture
- European Union
- Biennale Foundation
- Russian Pavilion
- Berlinale
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Lido
- Gaza
- Ukraine
- Russia
- United States
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Israel