Pro-Palestinian supporters will march through the center of the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.
While details have not been widely publicized, organizers behind the “Let Gaza Live” protest have asked participants to gather for a demonstration on Sunday regarding the Israel-Hamas war on Main Street in Park City, Utah.
Protesters will arrive via bus and march between 12 p.m.-1 p.m., according to three sources. The event is not affiliated with Sundance, which has taken over the luxury hamlet of Park City for the past 40 years. The protest comes amidst the presence of families of hostages held by Hamas attending events and being hosted in and around the festival.
“Park City is home to the largest indie film fest in the U.S.; tens of thousands travel across the globe to attend the event. While we do not take issue with Sundance as a whole, we aim to let spectators [and] news reporters know that Utah stands with Palestine,” organizers wrote on Instagram.
Spokespeople for the Sundance Film Festival said they have been “made aware of the demonstration and its commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment. While the organizers are non-affiliated with the festival itself, the safety and security of our festival goers is always of concern to us, and we consistently work with local law enforcement to uphold an environment that is welcoming, inspiring, and secure for all our attendees.”
In addition to Park City police, the pro-Palestinian group will be escorted by a Utah organization called Armed Queers of Salt Lake City. Reached via social media, the group confirmed its planned attendance at the march and said it was “committed to protecting Palestinian organizers in the struggle against zionism.”
News of the march trickled out across the festival on Friday. It follows the release of an open letter urging stars and prominent filmmakers attending the festival to use their platforms to demand a ceasefire in the war.
“We are aware that one day our community will create and champion films documenting this horrific genocide, yet many stay silent now, while we still have the chance to save lives. Our industry cannot continue with business as usual,” said a letter from the group Film Workers for Palestine.
The letter was signed by many recognizable names including Susan Sarandon, Mira Nair, Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, John Cusack and fired “Scream” star Melissa Barrera.
