Protesters shouted, We stand up for Palestine!
Ceasefire now, ceasefire now!
in reference to Israels bombardment of Gaza following the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens.
Artistic Director Orwa Nyrabia at IDFA’s opening night ceremony.IDFA/Coen Dijkstra
Some audience members initially hooted, but then many applauded.
Nyrabia clapped after the protesters finished their chants and he also applauded as they left the stage.
I clapped to welcome freedom of speech, and not to welcome the slogan.
IDFA Artistic Director Orwa Nyrabia opens the 36th edition of the festival in Amsterdam.
It does not represent IDFA, and was and will not be endorsed.
IDFA does not endorse or agree with any of that.
We stand by the ethics of valuing human life, all and every human life.
Our mission and our intentions are the opposite of hurting anybody or making them feel unsafe.
That slogan does not represent us, and we do not endorse it in any way.
We are truly sorry that it was hurtful to many.
It was a difficult journey towards the opening night.
I repeated that everybody is welcome here within the lines of respecting the other.
It does not represent IDFA, and was and will not be endorsed.
I apologize for not paying attention to the banner in the moment.
I clapped to welcome freedom of speech, and not to welcome the slogan.
IDFA does not endorse or agree with any of that.
We stand by the ethics of valuing human life, all and every human life.
