The world-renowned Japanese-American film director, Neo Sora, expressed his deep resentment towards what he described as the “complicity of cameras” in the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.

Cinema and “False Equivalence”
Sora participated in the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, where he appeared wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh and holding a Palestinian flag with the words “Free Palestine,” to warm applause from the audience. That moment was one of the most expressive moments of his support for the Palestinian cause. However, behind this support, there was deep resentment towards the schedule, which Sora described as reflecting a “false equivalence” between Palestinians and Israelis. He explained that screening an Israeli film and a Palestinian film in the same section at a major festival like Venice is an unfair attempt to create a kind of equality between the aggressor and the victim, noting that "Israel is practicing occupation and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians."
Soura also pointed out that he signed an open letter opposing the inclusion of the Israeli film in the festival, stressing that the film is linked to production companies involved in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Media and the legitimization of genocide
Soura accused the international media of engaging in the "legitimization" of the Israeli genocide. He said: "We know that there are media outlets that distort reality in favor of political interests, and legitimize genocide as long as it is in line with their interests." He stressed that the role of the media and art should be to shed light on these violations and expose them to the world, rather than colluding with crimes.
Film industry and inaction
Despite the important role that art plays in spreading awareness, Soura expressed his disappointment in the international film industry, saying: "International cinema has not shed enough light on the genocide in Gaza." He added that artists have a great moral responsibility to expose violations, whether by signing letters of solidarity or participating in awareness campaigns, and other means that help raise awareness of what is happening on the ground.
The impact of the genocide in his artistic career
Sora spoke about the deep psychological impact that the events taking place in Gaza had on him, saying that he found it difficult to continue working in the field of cinema after what he witnessed. “What is the point of telling stories about human dignity while we witness brutal violence that deprives people of their humanity?” Sora wondered, noting that the genocide practiced by Israel began decades ago, not just since October 7.
The continuation of genocide and art as a means of resistance
Sora concluded his talk by pointing out that the genocide has been ongoing for more than a year, with the atrocities extending to other countries such as Lebanon, which confirms, in his opinion, that artists have not done enough to confront this bitter reality. Despite his frustration, he stressed that he will continue to support the Palestinian cause and work to reveal the truth through his artistic works, because “art remains a powerful means of resisting silence.