Locarno Film Festival: Palestinian Activists Host Alternative Piazza Grande Screening
While Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took centre stage at the Locarno Film Festival's Piazza Grande on Saturday evening, a smaller group gathered across the way for a counter-programming event focused on Palestine.
Organised by the left-wing cooperative Coordinamento Unico a sostegno della Palestina/Coordination in support of Palestine (Cusp), the alternative screening attracted a mix of local activists and festival delegates. The event, held on a grassy area adjacent to the Teatro di Locarno, commenced with a book drive and sale of Palestinian merchandise, including traditional keffiyeh scarves.
The demonstration, however, proved controversial, drawing criticism from passersby. One counter-demonstrator, reportedly part of a delegation at the festival, was heard shouting to the crowd, "Return the hostages and we'll stop the bombs," seemingly referencing Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
As the crowd grew, the organisers screened a series of Palestinian short films, followed by American journalist Abby Martin's 2019 documentary, "Gaza Fights for Freedom."
The alternative screening, while not officially affiliated with the festival, attracted significant attention. The organisers have announced plans for a second evening of screenings on August 16, the penultimate night of the festival. This event will feature Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen's documentary, "Israelism," which recently secured US distribution through Watermelon Pictures. The documentary explores the experiences of two young American Jews who travel to Israel to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and its influence on their identities.
The Locarno Film Festival, known for its diverse and challenging programming, continues until August 17. The festival's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives is evident in the inclusion of these alternative screenings, which provide a platform for Palestinian voices and narratives.
