Spanish artists at the 21st Seville European Film Festival show solidarity with the Palestinian cause on November 8, 2024. (Social media)

At the Opening Gala of the 21st Seville European Film Festival, a powerful show of solidarity with the Palestinian people was demonstrated by actors, actresses, directors, producers, and other prominent figures from the film industry.

In an act of unity, they expressed their support for the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people, highlighting the importance of cultural engagement in raising awareness about global issues.

The pro-Palestinian solidarity group Andalucía con Palestina stressed that this show of solidarity at the festival was not only a celebration of cinema but also a reminder to the world that "mourning continues," referring to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians under occupation. The group underscored that the Palestinian resistance is also ongoing, symbolizing hope and strength in the face of the occupation.

In their statement, Andalucía con Palestina extended their gratitude to the artists and filmmakers present at the festival: "Thank you to all the artists for their solidarity and commitment."

🍉 Hemos estado en el Festival de Cine Europeo de Sevilla para recordarle al mundo de la cultura que el luto continúa. Y la resistencia también. Gracias a todas las artistas por su solidaridad y compromiso. pic.twitter.com/wDXQggHdQX
— Andalucía con Palestina (@CoordinadoraAcP) November 9, 2024

The 21st Seville European Film Festival (Festival de Cine Europeo de Sevilla) is an annual film festival held in Seville, Spain, focused on showcasing European cinema.

Late last month, over 300 Spanish intellectuals and artists sent a letter to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, urging him to implement an arms embargo against "Israel", according to media reports on October 22.

As per EFE news, artists argue that as long as Spain maintains military relations with the occupation, it is considered complicit in the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon.

Sanchez was urged in the letter to immediately enforce a comprehensive embargo on arms supplies to the Israeli occupation. Among the signatories are renowned Spanish filmmakers Pedro Almodovar and Isabel Coixet, actresses Aitana Sanchez Gijon, Alba Flores, Iciar Bollain, singer Mikel Izal, and many others. He was reminded that Spain's present administration describes itself as progressive and devoted to human rights, and hence must do more to protect the rights of Palestinians and Lebanese citizens.

It is worth noting that on November 7, the Spanish government denied docking permission to two US cargo vessels suspected of transporting weapons for "Israel." A spokesperson for the Spanish Foreign Ministry told El Pais that the Maersk Denver, which departed New York on October 31, and the Maersk Seletar, which left on November 4, “will not stop in Spain.”

Lawmaker Enrique Santiago had previously urged the attorney general to take action in light of the two cargo ships' plans to dock in Spain, scheduled to arrive on November 9 and 14, warning that their arrival at the Port of Algeciras would violate the country's penal code.

In May, Spain announced a ban on ships carrying military material bound for "Israel" from docking at its ports. However, an investigation by Progressive International and the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) revealed that at least 25 US arms shipments to "Israel" stopped at the Port of Algeciras between May and September.