Juliette Binoche Honors the Late Fatima Hassouna
Juliette Binoche paid tribute to Fatima Hassouna at Cannes 2025, honoring the journalist’s fearless reporting and lasting impact on global journalism.
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At the glittering opening ceremony of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, French actress Juliette Binoche paid a moving tribute to late Palestinian journalist Fatima Hassouna.
The actress is the jury President for the film festival this year. Standing on the iconic Palais des Festivals stage, Binoche honored Hassouna’s bravery, saying, “On April 16, at dawn in Gaza, 25-year-old photojournalist Fatima Hassouna and 10 relatives were killed by a missile that hit their home.”
She added, "Artists have the possibility to bear witness for others. The more their lvele of suffering increases, the more vital their involvement is."
The French actress also said, "Fatma should have been among us tonight. Art remains, It is the powerful testimony of our lives, our dreams, and we spectators embrace it through the Cannes Film Festival, where everything can happen and contribute to it."
Fatima Hassouna, who tragically lost her life while reporting in Gaza in April, was widely respected for her fearless journalism and powerful storytelling. Her work shed light on the humanitarian crisis and gave a voice to those affected by war and displacement. Her death sparked international tributes and calls for greater protection of journalists in conflict areas.
Hassouna is the subject of Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi's documentary 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk', which premiered at the film festival on Thursday.
Binoche’s tribute received a standing ovation from the Cannes audience, which included filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the world.
Her letter came after more than 380 film professionals signed an open letter, expressing "shame" over the film industry's passivity over Gaza.
As Binoche concluded her speech, she held a white flower in memory of Hassouna, stating, “Stories matter. Truth matters. And Fatima Hassouna mattered.” The tribute set a thoughtful tone for the festival, reflecting Cannes' dedication to freedom of expression and the people who risk everything to uphold it.