Cannes honored Fatima Hassouna: a moving legacy from Gaza
Cannes honored Fatima Hassouna: a moving legacy from Gaza
Gaza, Palästinensische Gebiete - On May 16, 2025, a moving homage was given during the Cannes Film Festival of the Palestinian photographer Fatima Hassouna. Hassouna was killed by an Israeli rocket attack on April 16, 2025, just one day after the acceptance of her documentary “Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk” for the festival. At least nine members of their family
died in the attacksepideh Farsi, the Iranian filmmaker and director of the documentary, established an emotional connection to Hassouna during the premiere of the film in Cannes. "She always said that would go by," Farsi recalled and kept a photo of Hassouna up. The event expressed its deep regret about the death of Hassouna and described it as one of the many victims of the ongoing violence in the region. Farsi also organized an exhibition with Hassouna's photographs that can be seen during the festival to honor their legacy.
impressions of Gaza and the influence of the conflict
The documentary from Farsi shows the effects of war on Gaza, and it was a special challenge to visit Hassouna because Farsi could not film in the Gaza strip. Over 370 industry representatives signed a letter that denounced Hassouna's death and criticized the Academy of the Arts for their lack of support. "Cinema has the duty to reflect social problems and to bear the messages of those who suffer," said the letter.
Farsi, who hit Fatima a year earlier while shooting another film, expressed that Hassouna was enthusiastic about her invitation to the festival. Her anticipation was recognized by the jury president Juliette Binoche, who explained: "She should have been with us this evening." The memories of Hassouna and the tragedy of her death overshadowed the festivities in Cannes.
the festival and its challenges
During the festival, international stars such as Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone were also expected on the red carpet. Fatih Akin presented his film "Amrum", while Kristen Stewart was invited to "The Chronology of Water". The festival is strongly shaped by the Metoo movement, which caused a sensation. An actor was excluded from the red carpet due to allegations of rape, and an event led to the suspension of a vice -head of a side row after allegations of sexual violence had been expressed.In the official competition for the Golden Palm, 22 films compete, including the work "Look in the sun" by Mascha Schilinski. The winners of the competition will be announced on May 24, 2025. While the glamorous world of cinema is blind to reality around them, the memory of Fatima Hassouna remains a memorial for the horrors of the war and the voice of the oppressed.
The air strikes in Gaza, which escalated on October 7, 2023 after an attack of militant groups, have led to considerable losses and humanitarian crises. Fatima Hassouna was not only a talented photographer, but also a voice of her community, which despite the violent reality she surrounded her encouraged the courage to tell stories from her life and her surroundings. Your vision and your incessant fight will live in memory.
For more information about this impressive personality and the reactions to the tragedy, please visit the reports of vienna.at independent.co.co.uk and Democracynow.org .
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Gaza, Palästinensische Gebiete |
| Quellen | |
Kommentare (0)