Venice Festival Refuses to Fly Palestinian Flag Citing Italian State-Recognition Rule

Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera told La Repubblica the Biennale cannot fly the Palestinian flag at the Palazzo del Cinema because it is "only allowed to fly the flags of states recognized by Italy." Two Palestinian directors — Ahmed Hassouna and Muayad Alayan — have films in this year's official selection. The festival traditionally flies flags of all selected directors. (Deadline, 3 September 2026)