The organizers opened the film festival in Jerusalem, despite regional conflicts, with the special participation of Israeli star Gal Gadot from "Wonder Woman," who was criticized for her comments on the war in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian activists attacked Gadot on social media for her support of the Israeli army, which has been accused of atrocities during its campaign in Gaza against Hamas and in its attempt to free Israeli hostages.

The actress was also criticized by right-wing media in Israel for calling for an end to the war, which the government has vowed to continue until Hamas is destroyed, despite international calls for a ceasefire.

Israel's 12-day war with Iran last month also threatened to derail the 42nd edition of the festival, AFP reported.

The event nevertheless began on the evening of July 17 in an auditorium near Jerusalem's Old City, and Gadot received a special award to the applause of thousands of spectators.

The 40-year-old star, born near Tel Aviv, said in her acceptance speech that she "prays that this war (in Gaza) will end and that everyone here will finally have peace and security."

"This will not be possible until the hostages return home," she said.

Event director Roni Mahadav-Levin said that during the war with Iran from June 12 to 24, the organizers "spent two weeks in bomb shelters trying to decide whether to keep the festival date," as flights were canceled and guests were hesitant to come.

One of the festival's visitors, 29-year-old film student Ayal Sgerski, said the event was being held "in the shadow" of the conflict and that few international directors were attending.

"It is very difficult for the festival to attract films from around the world at the moment" due to the opposition to the war in Gaza, he complained.

Mahadav-Levin said that the organizers could not "expect to receive the same number of international guests as in a normal year."

The event began with a screening of "Sentimental Value" by Norwegian director Joachim Trier, who won an award at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

The Jerusalem Film Festival will continue until July 26. | BGNES