PARK CITY, Utah – Traffic came to a standstill on Main Street in Park City on Sunday during the Sundance Film Festival as hundreds of Palestinian protesters, including actors Melissa Barrera and Indya Moore, gathered to chant for a free Palestine and an end to the genocide. Moore, star of the TV show “Pose,” took the microphone and delivered a powerful speech advocating for peace and equality, emphasizing the innocence of Palestinian children who have been victims of the conflict. The protest, not affiliated with the Sundance Film Festival, attracted both supporters and detractors, with Israeli advocates countering the Palestinian chants.
The planned protest was promoted on social media as an opportunity for participants to march and show their support for Palestine. Although the event caused disruptions, it remained peaceful with security being handled by the Utah-based organization, Armed Queers of Salt Lake City, supported by local law enforcement. The Sundance Institute acknowledged the demonstration and emphasized the importance of ensuring a secure environment for festival attendees.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has sparked solidarity movements within the entertainment industry, with calls for a ceasefire and protests against the violence. The Sundance Film Festival, known for its diversity of films and programming, often reflects the social, political, and cultural environment of the time. In addition to the Palestinian protest, other events have shed light on the conflict, including the Evening of Solidarity and the Filmmakers Against Anti-Semitism panel discussion.
Protests have become a familiar sight during the Sundance Film Festival, with past demonstrations such as the Women’s March in 2017 and a Red State protest. These events provide a platform for individuals to express their concerns and advocate for change. As the festival continues, the impact of these demonstrations on the film industry and broader society remains to be seen.