Venice Film Festival 2025: Jury President Alexander Payne sidesteps Gaza questions at festival opening

The ongoing genocide in Gaza dominated the opening press conference of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, but jury president Alexander Payne avoided taking a firm stance when asked about the conflict.

“Quite frankly, I feel a little unprepared for that question,” Payne told reporters. “I’m here to judge and talk about cinema. My political views, I’m sure, are in agreement with many of yours.”

The Oscar-winning director of The Holdovers faced repeated questions about the festival’s position on Gaza, including whether he would sign an open letter from Italian filmmakers urging Venice to denounce Israeli military actions and disinvite actors Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler, both appearing in Julian Schnabel’s In the Hand of Dante. Payne reiterated that his role was limited to jury duties.

Festival chief Alberto Barbera, however, addressed the controversy directly. “We have been asked to turn down invitations to artists; we will not do that,” he said. “If they want to be at the festival, they will be here. On the other hand, we have never hesitated to clearly declare our huge sadness and suffering vis-à-vis what is happening in Gaza and Palestine.”

The Biennale also pointed to its programming as evidence of engagement, citing Kaouther Ben Hania’s competition entry The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tells the true story of a six-year-old girl trapped after an Israeli attack.

Outside the festival, the political climate was equally visible. Opening day included a red carpet protest with banners reading “Free Palestine. Stop the Genocide,” while organisers announced a larger march planned for August 30.

Despite the focus on politics, Payne spoke about the enduring role of cinema, saying he preferred films viewed “in the cathedral of cinema” and adding: “Can a film change society and culture? I don’t know, but at least when we make films that are relevant to the times, we leave a document.”