Palestinian Protesters Bring Traffic to a Halt at Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival, known for its celebration of independent cinema, was met with a powerful and unexpected demonstration on a busy Sunday afternoon. Main Street in Park City, Utah, came to a complete standstill as hundreds of Palestinian protesters gathered to chant slogans such as “free Palestine” and “stop the genocide.” Among the crowd were notable figures from the entertainment industry, including actors Melissa Barrera and Indya Moore.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas War has sparked calls for a ceasefire and has seen widespread protests surrounding the conflict. Indya Moore, star of the hit show “Pose,” took the microphone during the demonstration to express her support for Palestine. She emphasized her love for all people, including her Israeli, Jewish, and Palestinian friends. Moore passionately called for a ceasefire and urged people to stop promoting hate and division. She highlighted the innocence of Palestinian children who have been victims of the conflict, emphasizing that they should not be held responsible for the situation.
Melissa Barrera, who recently faced backlash for her social media posts about the Israel-Gaza conflict, also joined the protest. Barrera expressed her newfound understanding and support for the Palestinian cause, stating that she has had an “awakening” that has shaped her into who she is meant to be. She is in Park City for the premiere of her new film, “Your Monster.”
The protest took place in front of Park City’s Main Street Pizza & Noodle, causing disruption to festival attendees trying to navigate their way through the busy block. Even celebrities like Chrissy Teigen found themselves amidst the demonstration while walking towards it with her entourage.
Utah state troopers and Park City police were present to monitor the scene, as tensions occasionally grew between Israeli supporters and Palestinian protesters. The Israeli supporters chanted “bring them home” in reference to the hostages held since the Nova music festival attack on October 7. Meanwhile, some individuals booed the Palestinian protesters and attempted to drown out their chants of “resistance is justified when people are occupied.”
The lead female protester, who remained anonymous, voiced her frustration with the mainstream media’s complacency. She called on filmmakers and artists present at the festival to use their art to tell the stories of the conflict and questioned their silence. The demonstrators demanded a ceasefire and called on President Joe Biden to end U.S. support for the conflict.
Signs reading “Let Gaza live” and “de-platform Zionism” were displayed during the protest, adorned with watermelon, which has become a symbol of solidarity with Palestine. The Israeli supporters, though smaller in numbers, gathered across Main Street and chanted “bring them home” in response to the Palestinian chants.
The Sundance Film Festival, known for its diverse programming, often reflects the social, political, and cultural environment of the world. This year is no exception, as events, panels, protests, and gatherings have shed light on various issues. Film Workers for Palestine released an open letter calling for an end to genocide and a free Palestine, with signatories including filmmakers and performers with projects at Sundance.
In addition to the protest, other events have brought attention to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The hostage initiative Bring Them Home partnered with an Evening of Solidarity event, highlighting the hostages held since the Nova music festival attack. Actress Emmanuelle Chriqui and filmmaker Allison Norlian expressed their support for the cause and emphasized the importance of amplifying their messages.
The Shabbat Lounge also hosted a Filmmakers Against Anti-Semitism panel discussion in partnership with the Jewish Filmmaker Network, further shedding light on Israel-related issues.
Protests have become a common occurrence during the Sundance Film Festival, with notable examples including the Women’s March in 2017 and a Red State protest outside the premiere of a Kevin Smith film.
As the festival continues, it remains a platform for artists and filmmakers to express their views and shed light on important global issues. The demonstration by Palestinian protesters serves as a reminder that the world of cinema is not separate from the realities of conflict and social justice.
