"Actress Melissa Barrera Joins Pro-Palestine Protest at Sundance"
During the Sundance Film Festival, hundreds of Palestinian protesters, including actors Melissa Barrera and Indya Moore, chanted "free Palestine" and "stop the genocide," calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Moore, in town for the festival premiere of Ponyboi, emphasized the need for love and equality for all, while Barrera, who was fired from the Scream franchise for her social media posts about the conflict, expressed her support for Palestine. The protest caused tension among festival attendees, with some expressing opposition to the demonstration. The protest was not affiliated with the Sundance Film Festival, and security was handled by the Utah-based Armed Queers of Salt Lake City. Other events at the festival also highlighted the Israel-Palestine conflict, including an Evening of Solidarity for the hostages held since the Nova music festival attack.