Cannes honored Fatima Hassouna: A Moving Legacy from Gaza

Cannes honored Fatima Hassouna: A Moving Legacy from Gaza

On May 16, 2025, a moving tribute was paid to Palestinian photographer Fatima Hassouna during the Cannes Film Festival. Hassouna was killed by an Israeli missile attack on April 16, 2025, just a day after her documentary “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” was accepted into the festival. At least nine members of her family also died in the attack

Sepideh Farsi, the Iranian filmmaker and director of the documentary, made an emotional connection with Hassouna during the film's premiere in Cannes. “She always said it would pass,” Farsi recalled, holding up a photo of Hassouna. The event expressed deep regret over the death of Hassouna and described her as one of the many victims of the ongoing violence in the region. Farsi also organized an exhibition of Hassouna's photographs on display during the festival to honor her legacy.

Impressions from Gaza and the influence of the conflict

The Farsi documentary shows the impact of the war on Gaza, and it was particularly challenging to visit Hassouna as Farsi could not film in Gaza. Over 370 industry representatives signed a letter denouncing Hassouna's death and criticizing the Academy of Arts for its lack of support. “Cinema has a duty to reflect social problems and carry the messages of those who suffer,” the letter said.

Farsi, who met Fatima a year earlier while filming another film, said Hassouna was thrilled to be invited to the festival. Her anticipation was acknowledged by jury president Juliette Binoche, who declared: “She should have been here with us tonight.” The memories of Hassouna and the tragedy of her death overshadowed the celebrations in Cannes.

The festival and its challenges

International stars such as Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone were also expected on the red carpet during the festival. Fatih Akin presented his film “Amrum”, while Kristen Stewart was invited with “The Chronology of Water”. The festival is strongly influenced by the MeToo movement, which caused a stir. An actor was barred from the red carpet over rape allegations, and an event led to the suspension of a supporting franchise vice-president after allegations of sexual violence were made.

22 films are competing in the official competition for the Palme d’Or, including Mascha Schilinski’s “Looking into the Sun”. The winners of the competition will be announced on May 24, 2025. While the glamorous world of cinema remains blind to the reality around them, the memory of Fatima Hassouna remains a memorial to the horrors of war and the voice of the oppressed.

The airstrikes in Gaza, which escalated on October 7, 2023 following an attack by militant groups, have resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises. Fatima Hassouna was not only a talented photographer, but also a voice in her community who found the courage to tell stories from her life and her surroundings despite the violent reality that surrounded her. Their vision and ceaseless struggle will live in memory.

For more information about this impressive figure and the reaction to the tragedy, please visit reports from vienna.at, independent.co.uk and democracynow.org.