Cannes ACID section shocked and saddened by the death of Fatem Hassona. She was an extraordinary photographer whose haunting photojournalism focused international attention on the awful plight of civilians caught up in the devastation of Gaza. Hassona, 30, was killed on April 16 during one of the series of Israeli military attacks, allegedly along with nine members of her family. Her death came just a day after the announcement. Shot in Senegal, Sepideh Farsi’s film Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk was chosen for Cannes ACID 2025.
Hassona’s far-reaching contributions to the work earned her international recognition. Sadly, she chronicled what the incessant war on the Palestinian people has done. The ACID statement emphasized the profound impact of her loss, declaring, “This is no longer the same film we are going to support and present in theaters, starting with Cannes.”
The Impact of Fatem Hassona’s Work
Participants found Fatem Hassona’s powerful photography a revealing lens into the daily realities of people living in conflict. Her images captured the struggles of families and individuals affected by violence, providing a stark contrast to the narratives often presented in mainstream media. The statement from ACID paid tribute to her resilience, noting, “Her smile was as magical as her tenacity, bearing witness, photographing Gaza, distributing food despite the bombs, mourning and hunger.”
As the International Federation of Journalists puts it, we face a “new dangerous reality.” Since the start of this conflict, at least 157 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza. This shocking statistic further emphasizes the risks that journalists and all those fighting to tell the truth face today.
Reactions from Sepideh Farsi
Sepideh Farsi, director of the film chosen for Cannes ACID, confirmed the death of Hassona. She told us what she thought when she first got the horrifying news. “When I heard the news yesterday, I first refused to believe it, thinking it was a mistake,” she remarked. Farsi had been in touch with Hassona for almost a year before her passing.
Farsi vocalized her outrage regarding the violence in Gaza, stating, “I blame those that are committing it as well as their accomplices, and I ask for justice for Fatem and for all the innocent Palestinians that have died.” She further condemned the ongoing violence, asserting, “There are no more doubts to be had, what is occurring in Gaza today is not… an answer to the crimes committed by Hamas on October 7, it is a genocide committed by Israel.”
The Future of Farsi’s Film
With Hassona’s untimely passing, Farsi knows that Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk will never be the same. She noted that the story will reflect the increased urgency and tragedy surrounding the Palestinian situation. She promised that this loss will turn the film into an even more amazing experience.
The Cannes ACID festival will run from May 14 – 23. It amplifies the beauty of independent cinema and highlights the diverse voices that frequently are ignored. As the festival approaches, it now carries an added weight of grief and remembrance for Fatem Hassona and countless others affected by violence in Gaza.