At the San Sebastián International Film Festival on Friday, actress Jennifer Lawrence openly condemned the ongoing destruction in Gaza, describing it as “no less than a genocide.” Using her platform, Lawrence expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region and its broader implications.
Lawrence Voices Fear and Frustration Over the Situation
Expressing fear for future generations, Lawrence said,
“I’m terrified and it’s mortifying. What’s happening is no less than a genocide and it’s unacceptable,”
emphasizing her anxiety about the impact on children worldwide. She also shared her personal turmoil over the complexity of the crisis, stating,
“I wish that there was something I could say, something that I could do to fix this extremely complex and disgraceful situation. It breaks my heart.”
Despite her wishes to intervene, Lawrence acknowledged the challenges of speaking out, cautioning that,
“our fear in speaking too much or answering too many of these questions is that my words will just be used to add more fire and rhetoric to something that is in the hands of our elected officials.”
Concerns About Political Integrity and Global Awareness
Lawrence criticized the current political climate, reflecting on the impact on young voters:
“The kids who are voting right now at 18, it’s going to be totally normal to them that politics has no integrity; politicians lie, there is no empathy.”
She warned of the consequences of global indifference, adding,
“And everybody needs to remember that when you ignore what’s happening on one side of the world, it won’t be long until it’s on your side as well.”
Highlighting the importance of creative expression, she underscored threats to free speech, saying,
“Our Freedom of Speech and expression is under attack and I think the world of cinema and using your voice in artistic ways, having festivals like this where we can learn from each other and realize we are all connected and matter and deserve empathy and freedom is important.”
Festival Organizers Demand Cease-Fire and Hostage Release
Prior to Lawrence’s remarks, the San Sebastián International Film Festival issued a public statement calling for an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas and the Israeli government. The organizers condemned the violence perpetrated since the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, while denouncing the resulting humanitarian disasters faced by Palestinians.
“We believe it is necessary to publicly state our rejection of the genocide, of the unimaginable massacres to which the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu is subjecting the Palestinian people since Hamas perpetrated the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 which, we of course, also condemn,”
the festival statement declared.
The organizers detailed the extent of the devastation:
“They are killing the Palestinian civilian population. They are killing boys and girls. They are killing journalists and humanitarian workers. They are using starvation as a weapon. They are preventing and hindering access to humanitarian aid. They are forcing the mass displacement of the Palestinian population. They are razing buildings to the ground. They are bombing hospitals too.”
The statement continued,
“They humiliate, conquer, squash. They are destroying Gaza. They scorn international legality. So much atrocity, so much terror is unbearable. We are beside ourselves with anger and pain at such injustice.”
San Sebastián Festival and Jennifer Lawrence’s Upcoming Film
The 2025 San Sebastián International Film Festival began on September 19 in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, and will conclude on Saturday. During the festival, artists and audiences alike have engaged in discussions reflecting global conflicts and the role of cinema in activism.
Jennifer Lawrence’s latest film, Die My Love, which premiered at Cannes, is scheduled for release in theaters on November 7, further spotlighting her continued influence in the film industry while using her voice on critical humanitarian issues.
