The Locarno Film Festival’s Piazza Grande was the site of a demonstration last night (August 8) organised by local activists calling for an end to violence in Gaza.

The brief demonstration took place ahead of the world premiere screening of Miguel Ángel Jiménez’s The Birthday Party , starring Willem Dafoe, Vic Carmen Sonne and Emma Suárez.

A minute’s silence was held, and many attendees held up cards that included the words ’Stop Genocide. Words and actions for peace, against indifference.’ The cards also included images of blood red bandages.

At the end of the demonstration, the festival’s artistic director, Giona A Nazzaro, said from the stage: “We are with you, thank you,” which was met by a round of applause from the square.

One attendee said the festival appeared to have backed

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