Filmmaker urges audiences not to boycott artists amid Venice Film Festival controversy

Schnabel Responds to Controversy

September 3, 2025: At the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, filmmaker Julian Schnabel addressed calls for the disinvitation of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who stars in his latest film, In the Hand of Dante. Activist groups had urged the festival to rescind invitations to Gadot and co-star Gerard Butler due to their past support for Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Schnabel, however, firmly rejected the notion, stating, “There’s no need to boycott artists.”

Festival Director Weighs In

Festival director Alberto Barbera echoed Schnabel’s sentiment, emphasizing that the Venice Biennale does not make political statements and remains committed to being an open space for dialogue. He highlighted the inclusion of films addressing the Gaza conflict, such as The Voice of Hind Rajab, as evidence of the festival’s sensitivity to the issue.

Film Premieres Amid Attention

Despite the controversy, Schnabel’s film, In the Hand of Dante, premiered out of competition at the festival on September 3, 2025. The film features an ensemble cast including Oscar Isaac, John Malkovich, and Martin Scorsese, and is based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches.

Art and Activism

The Venice Film Festival continues to navigate the intersection of art and activism, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives while allowing filmmakers like Schnabel and Gadot to showcase their work without political interference.