In a lively demonstration that took place at the Sundance Film Festival, close to 100 pro-Palestinian protestors, including actress Melissa Barrera, gathered to voice their support for Palestine. Chanting the controversial line "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," the demonstrators marched halfway up Park City's Main Street despite heavy police surveillance and media attention.

The protest aimed to draw attention to the Biden administration's stance on Israel, which many participants criticized for its strong allegiance to the Jewish State following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. Protestors voiced their discontent by utilizing an anti-Vietnam War chant, displaying signs that labeled President Biden a "butcher" and questioning how many children he had "killed today."

The demonstration, which spilled into the streets, prompted Park City police and other law enforcement officials to quickly shut down the road to ensure the safety of both protestors and bystanders. Amid the commotion, passersby were heard shouting "Bring them home" in reference to hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas.

Actress Melissa Barrera, who attended Sundance for her film "Your Monsters," has been vocal in her support for Palestine. However, her previous pro-Palestinian statements led to her dismissal from the upcoming film "Scream VII" by Spyglass Media, who claimed her remarks were anti-semitic. Barrera later clarified her stance, condemning both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

At the protest, Barrera declined interviews but allowed video recording of her participation. Alongside the crowd, she recited the chant, "In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians!"

The demonstration also saw participation from the Islamic Scholarship Fund and various attendees who supported the end of all genocides, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Pose star Indy Moore was among the protestors, advocating for a free Palestine as they promoted their film "Ponyboi" at Sundance.

Sundance organizers refrained from commenting on the protests, but they have previously stated their commitment to the safety and security of festival-goers. The Let Gaza Live protest had been planned for weeks, and protestors traveled into the city by bus from Kimball Junction Station.

Coinciding with the protest, a panel titled "Sects, Lies & Videotape: Debunking Deadly Tropes About Jews and Israel in TV, Film and Media" occurred simultaneously. The panel included activist and producer Noa Tishby, who criticized the protestors as "misinformed" and expressed a desire to engage with them directly.

Sunday's larger rally followed an earlier gathering of 25 pro-Palestinian attendees, as well as a vigil held by Film workers for Palestine. These events reflect the intersection between politics and cinema that often occurs at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Let Gaza Live protest aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict and draw attention to the suffering in Gaza. While not officially affiliated with the festival, Palestinian Solidarity UT expressed their desire to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine and make a stand against the genocide taking place.

The original trigger for the recent clashes occurred when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in a brutal siege that left over 1,400 people dead. Evidence has pointed to widespread rapes and the taking of hostages, including children. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on potential Hamas strongholds, and the conflict escalated further as tens of thousands of Israeli Defense Forces troops entered Gaza, leading to widespread destruction.

The Sundance Film Festival has a history of political engagement, with past events including women's marches in response to the Trump presidency. The demonstration at this year's festival reflects the ongoing commitment of artists and activists to use their platform to raise awareness about pressing global issues.