The American actress and film producer Debra Messing and Israeli pop star Dana International are set to be honored at the 20th Tel Aviv International LGBTQ+ Film Festival (TLVFest) for their commitment to queer rights and to Israel, according to the news portal Ynet. The festival runs from October 23 to November 2.
Dana International, who in 1998 became the first — and to date the only — transgender person to win the Eurovision Song Contest, will receive a special prize during the opening ceremony. This award will recognize her contributions to both Israeli culture and queer culture.
Messing is best known for her leading role in the US sitcom “Will & Grace” (1998-2006, 2017-2020). She will receive a special prize during the closing ceremony. The recognition honors both her advocacy for LGBTQ rights and her support of Israel, especially in the wake of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.
The 57-year-old signed an open letter that rejected a boycott of the Israeli film industry urged by some filmmakers. In addition, the Jewish American actress co-produced the documentary “October 8 — The Fight for the Soul of America,” which examines the Hamas attack and the subsequent rise in antisemitism.
Filmfestival stelt zich tegen Netanjahu-Regierung
The festival emphasizes in its statement its solidarity with the “fight for rights, freedom and justice for Palestinian queer people as well as all Palestinians.” It also criticizes “the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza and in the West Bank.”
In addition, the festival rejects “Pinkwashing” accusations — the charge that the right-wing Israeli government is legitimized by its very existence. “The existence of TLVFest rather resists the homophobic, racist and misogynist elements of the Knesset — and we say this openly and proudly,” the statement reads. “We will continue to work with Palestinian filmmakers who are interested in peaceful coexistence, and in building a more tolerant and open Middle East for Israelis and Palestinians.” (dk)
