Israeli Director Defends Film Amidst Calls for Boycott at Venice Film Festival

Israeli director Amos Gitai has defended his film ‘Why War?’, which is being screened at the Venice Film Festival, against calls for a boycott. A petition signed by over 300 filmmakers, including Hany Abu-Assad, Enrico Parenti, and Alessandra Ferri, argues that the film was produced by Israeli companies that contribute to apartheid, occupation, and genocide. However, Gitai insists that the film has no Israeli funding and promotes peace. He argues that ‘Why War?’ examines the nature of violence and the need for dialogue, emphasizing the need for both Israelis and Palestinians to take steps towards reconciliation.