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Director Defends Gadot, Butler Amid Festival Boycott Calls

9/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Director Julian Schnabel defended Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler against boycott calls at the Venice Film Festival due to their support for Israel.
He highlighted the actors' contributions and urged attention to their film, *In the Hand of Dante*, which premiered at the festival.
Gadot condemned Hamas, while Butler did not attend the festival, though he was not disinvited.

History

Historical Context

The establishment of Israel in 1948 ignited ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Palestinian groups like Hamas. This backdrop influences contemporary celebrity activism, as seen in Julian Schnabel's defense of Gal Gadot, who condemned Hamas. The Venice Film Festival, a platform for artistic expression since its post-war revival in 1946, highlights the challenges artists face in politically charged environments.

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Story summary

Director Julian Schnabel defended Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler against boycott calls at the Venice Film Festival due to their support for Israel.
He highlighted the actors' contributions and urged attention to their film, *In the Hand of Dante*, which premiered at the festival.
Gadot condemned Hamas, while Butler did not attend the festival, though he was not disinvited.

1 / 2