Culture 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
Venice Chief Alberto Barbera Says Festival Has «No Prejudice» After Israeli Films Missing From Lineup
Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera addressed the absence of Israeli films from this year's lineup, saying the festival holds no prejudice while acknowledging political pressures surrounding the 83rd edition.
Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera addressed the absence of Israeli films from this year's lineup during a press cocktail on the Lido, insisting the festival holds no prejudice while acknowledging the political pressures surrounding the 83rd edition.
Speaking to Variety ahead of the festival, Barbera said it was «almost normal» that Venice finds itself at the center of political debate, but he pushed back against suggestions that the selection process excluded Israeli cinema. «We have no prejudice against anyone anywhere in the world,» he said, responding directly to questions about the missing Israeli titles.
The comments come as Venice prepares to open its 83rd edition amid heightened scrutiny over cultural boycotts and geopolitical tensions in the film world. Barbera, who has led the festival's artistic direction since 2012, has built a reputation for programming politically charged work, and he made clear that this year's edition would not retreat from controversy.
Barbera's remarks follow a period of intense debate across European film festivals about how to handle the Israel-Palestine conflict in programming decisions. Several major festivals have faced pressure from both sides in recent years, with some filmmakers and industry figures calling for boycotts while others have urged festivals to remain neutral platforms for artistic expression.
The Venice Film Festival has historically positioned itself as a venue for bold, politically engaged cinema. Under Barbera's leadership, the festival has premiered films that tackle subjects ranging from authoritarianism to migration, and he has frequently defended the festival's role in hosting difficult conversations.
While Barbera did not name specific films or filmmakers in his remarks, his insistence on the festival's lack of prejudice suggests a desire to preempt criticism as the lineup faces international scrutiny. The absence of Israeli films had already drawn attention from industry observers before his comments.
Venice remains one of the most influential film festivals in the world, often serving as a launchpad for awards season contenders. The 83rd edition is expected to draw major talent and industry figures to the Lido, with the full program already announced.
Barbera's defense of the festival's inclusivity comes at a moment when cultural institutions across Europe are navigating increasingly complex political landscapes. His statement appears aimed at reassuring both the international film community and audiences that Venice's programming decisions are made on artistic merit rather than political bias.
The festival is scheduled to run later this year, with screenings and events taking place across the historic Venice Lido. As the opening approaches, Barbera's comments are likely to remain a talking point among attendees and critics alike.
