Core Viewpoint - The 82nd Venice International Film Festival is facing pressure from filmmakers and cultural figures to take a clear stance against the "genocide and ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, as highlighted in an open letter signed by hundreds of individuals in the film industry [1][2]. Group 1 - The open letter was initiated by the international organization V4P (Venice for Palestine) and was sent to the festival's organizing body, urging it to provide a platform for dialogue and resistance rather than becoming a "sad and hollow" event [1]. - Notable signatories of the letter include acclaimed filmmakers and actors such as Ken Loach, Paolo Sorrentino, and Alice Rohrwacher, emphasizing the collective call for action from the film community [1]. - The letter also mentions that nearly 250 Palestinian media workers have been killed since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, urging the festival to host events focused on Palestinian themes to raise awareness [2]. Group 2 - The Venice Biennale responded by affirming its historical commitment to addressing sensitive social and global issues through film, citing examples of films that tackle these themes [2]. - The festival is scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 6, 2025, with additional calls for a public protest against genocide on August 30 by another Italian arts organization [2].