A group of pro-Palestinian supporters staged a protest against Israel’s ongoing military action in the Gaza Strip in the main Marius Gropius Bau venue of the Berlin Film Festival European Film Market on Sunday.
A group of about 50 people entered ground floor of the main atrium shouting “Stop the genocide”, while large banners were unfurled from the galleries above bearing the same message.
The Berlinale had been bracing for potential protests around the Israel-Gaza conflict. In the lead up to the festival and market, contracted festival workers released an open letter calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, the “release of all hostages,” and “stronger institutional leadership,” in response to what they described as the “current assault on Palestinian life.” A protest within the market was less expected.
The Marius Gropius Bau exhibition space can only be accessed by badge-holders which suggests the protests were stage by registered industry professionals.
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