A historic Memorandum of Understanding was signed today in Venice, Italy, between Camilla Toschi, Director of the Florence International Women’s Film Festival, and Graziella Bildesheim, President of the European Women’s Audiovisual Network (EWA), representing Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah, Founder and President of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival.
The agreement was signed during the Venice Film Festival and marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two festivals.
Strengthening International Cultural Cooperation
This pioneering agreement aims to enhance professional and cultural exchange between the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival and the Florence International Women’s Film Festival.
The partnership will support joint screenings, collaborative activities, and the creation of an international network of women filmmakers committed to women’s issues and cultural resistance through cinema.
Supporting the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival
The signing represents an important step in supporting the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival, which is scheduled to take place from October 26 to October 31, 2025, under the slogan:
“Honorable Women in a Time of Genocide.”
Founded in Palestine under exceptional circumstances, the festival seeks to become a symbol of cultural resistance and a platform for international dialogue through women’s cinema.
Florence Festival Expresses Pride in the Partnership
Camilla Toschi, Director of the Florence International Women’s Film Festival, expressed her pride in the partnership.
She stated that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting Palestinian women’s voices and enabling them to reach international cultural and cinematic platforms.
A Model of Cultural Solidarity
Graziella Bildesheim emphasized that the cooperation agreement represents a genuine example of cultural solidarity.
She noted that the partnership creates new opportunities for Palestinian women filmmakers to share their experiences, stories, and creative visions with global audiences.
Message from Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah
In a message sent from Gaza, Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah explained that he was unable to attend due to the difficult humanitarian situation.
He described the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival as a beacon capable of illuminating the struggles, resilience, and stories of Palestinian women despite the extraordinary challenges they face.
Dr. Shallah also confirmed that preparations for the festival are progressing and revealed several members of the international jury.
International Jury Members
The festival’s international jury includes prominent figures from the world of cinema:
- Producer Graziella Bildesheim
- Actress Jasmine Trinca
- Director Céline Sciamma
- Film Editor Mariset Sancristóbal
- Filmmaker Monica Maurer as Honorary President
These internationally recognized professionals will contribute to the festival’s mission of promoting excellence in women’s cinema.
Building a Global Festival Network
Dr. Shallah explained that the festival’s founding committee has successfully established a broad international network of supporting institutions and organizations.
During the event, Milena Fiori presented the organizations that have already joined the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival network, including:
- Palestinian Ministry of Culture
- Jerusalem International Film Festival – Gaza
- European Women’s Audiovisual Network (EWA)
- Leeds Palestinian Film Festival
- Audiovisual Archive of the Workers’ and Democratic Movement (AAMOD)
- Carmel Swedish Film Production Foundation
- Nazra Palestinian Short Film Festival
- International Women’s House
- Florence International Women’s Film Festival
- Culture is Freedom Association
- Palestinian Solidarity Charity Association
- Women’s International Democratic Federation
- Astragali Theatre
- Palestine Film Institute
- Cinema Without Rights
- Palestine Museum
- Culture of Resistance Foundation
- International Federation of Arab Film Festivals
- Palestine Cultural Platform
- Various international production companies
Voices of Support from International Artists
Italian actress Jasmine Trinca highlighted her long-standing connection with Palestine and emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and passing opportunities to young Palestinian women filmmakers.
She described the journey of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival as an exceptional human experience that demonstrates the power of cinema to build bridges and create understanding across cultures.
Cinema as a Tool for Freedom and Resistance
With its forty-sixth edition, the Florence International Women’s Film Festival continues to reaffirm its role as a unique platform for women directors and filmmakers.
The festival remains a space for international exchange, collaboration, and alliance-building among women who believe in cinema as a powerful tool for freedom, cultural dialogue, and resistance.
