Newsletters
At the David di Donatello Awards in Rome, filmmakers and artists used their acceptance speeches to draw attention to the war in Gaza, placing the humanitarian crisis at the center of one of Italy’s most prominent cultural events.
Held at Cinecitta Studios, the 71st edition of the awards saw multiple winners move beyond traditional thank-yous, instead addressing the ongoing war and its impact on civilians.
Omar Rammal, art director of the short film Everyday in Gaza, described the conditions under which the project was created. He emphasized that filming took place amid active bombardment.
In a notable statement, he said: “This is a film made under fire and bombs,” explaining that crew members carried “cameras in one hand and their pain in the other.”
He framed the production not as a creative endeavor but as a necessity, calling it “the ultimate act of survival.”
Rammal also pointed out that while the team operated inside Gaza, he directed the film remotely, underlining the fragmented and difficult nature of the process.
Reflecting on the contrast between the ceremony and events in Gaza, he added that celebrating cinema in Europe should not overshadow the suffering of civilians and filmmakers in the enclave.
The theme of artistic responsibility continued through other speeches, as winners tied their work to broader global issues. Actor Lino Musella, who received Best Supporting Actor for Nonostante, echoed this sentiment by stating that “art is a threat to autocrats and fascists,” referencing actor Robert De Niro, and expressing support for the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Musella indicated he would keep speaking out against injustices worldwide, concluding his remarks with the phrase “Free Palestine.”
Other winners also brought attention to Gaza in symbolic and direct ways.
Set designers Andrea Castorina and Marco Martucci dedicated their award to children and Palestinians, while sound designer Gianluca Scarlata appeared on stage carrying a Palestinian-themed bag and urged audiences to continue discussing Gaza.
Despite the strong political undertones, the ceremony maintained its core function as a film awards event, with the top prize for Best Film going to Le Citta di Pianura, directed by Francesco Sossai.
Broader context of conflict and humanitarian efforts
The speeches came against the backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding Gaza.
On April 29, boats linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters off Crete.
The flotilla represents a humanitarian initiative aimed at reaching Gaza, following a previous attempt in September 2025 that ended with an Israeli raid and the detention of activists.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
5 min read
