Slain Photojournalist's Cannes Film Premiere Highlights Gaza's Perilous Reality

Gaza photojournalist Fatma Hassouna's death casts a shadow over Cannes Film Festival. The 25-year-old's life story was set to premiere at the prestigious festival. Tragically, she was killed alongside ten family members in northern Gaza just one day later. The film, "Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk," is a poignant documentary that captures Hassouna's experiences during Israel's devastating war on the Palestinian territory. Sepideh Farsi, the film's director, shared her grief and disbelief in an interview with Al Jazeera. "I still can't believe it," she stated, adding, "I've spent this past year waking up and going to sleep thinking, 'Will she answer my next call?'" The timing of Hassouna's death has raised concerns that she was deliberately targeted, a tragic reality for many journalists in the region. The ACID Cannes film committee released a statement, emphasizing their commitment to showcasing Hassouna's story and the ongoing Palestinian reality. This event underscores the dangers faced by journalists covering conflict zones and the importance of preserving their stories.