In our contemporary world, when an artist or an influencer becomes a platform for public opinion, these individuals bear significant responsibility. Their voices can transcend spatial and temporal boundaries, reaching deep into the hearts of people. They can either become a bridge of hope, expressing support for just causes, or a silent witness to the destruction of entire populations. When the truth is silenced or humanitarian issues are ignored, silence becomes complicity with injustice.

Therefore, an artist must fully understand that remaining silent in the face of injustice is not simply a lack of words; it is an indirect contribution to the continued suffering of the innocents.

Recently, this sense of responsibility was clearly demonstrated at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, which took place at a time when the suffering of the Palestinian and Lebanese people was escalating amid ongoing aggression of the Usurping Entity. The opening ceremony saw a remarkable stance from actors and participants, who expressed unprecedented support for the Palestinian cause. The event featured several artists wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh, while dancers from Gaza performed the traditional “Dabke” dance to the tune of the song “My Blood is Palestinian.”

Hussein Fahmy, the festival’s president, delivered a speech reaffirming the festival’s solidarity with the Arab people and their just causes. He emphasized that the Cairo International Film Festival is not merely a cultural event, but a platform for expressing humanitarian positions. He also noted that the Palestinian cause, as one of justice and dignity, remains at the heart of the festival. He further expressed his solidarity with Lebanon, which continues to suffer from the ongoing conflict with the occupation.

Through these messages, the support was not limited to the artists alone but was reflected in the interaction of audiences and participants on social media. Many public figures shared photos and expressions of support for Palestine, such as film critic Fayza Hendawi, who posted a picture of herself dressed in Palestinian women’s attire, accompanied by the caption “Long live Palestine.”

In another step to strengthen the festival’s stance, Hussein Fahmy announced that the festival would not accept sponsorship from any companies that support the occupation, affirming that only national companies would sponsor the current edition.

This year, the Cairo International Film Festival demonstrated how art can be a mean of expressing political and humanitarian positions, and how artists can be more than mere witnesses to events, but bridges of hope and speakers of truth in the face of injustice.