Iranian actress Zaar Amir Ibrahimi and American actress Jessica Chastain, both jury members at this year’s FIFM, found themselves embroiled in a social media storm and have been accused of Islamophobia and supporting Zionism.

Following an emotional speech Chastain delivered during the festival where she presided the jury, she discussed breaking down barriers related to racial injustice and gender inequality, many wondered whether she stood with Israel or Palestine.

However, as the actress and humanitarian is known for being usually vocal about world crises, her silence around Palestine alarmed many.

Yesterday, Chastain shared a video on social media in which she showcased a book gifted to her by Zaar Amir Ibrahimi, and revealed a page featuring an animation with the caption “No to Hijab.” This revelation has ignited a wave of criticism, with accusations of Islamophobia directed at both actresses.

Chastain deleted the story but Zaar kept it.

Adding fuel to the fire, Amir Ibrahimi recently starred in an Israeli movie and faces backlash for what some perceive as implicit support for Israel amid the ongoing bombings of innocent civilians in Palestine. 

Despite the collaboration being deemed “iconic” by some, pairing Amir with award-winning Israeli director Guy Nattiv, her involvement in “The Holy Spider,”  last year a film denounced by Iran, only intensifies the scrutiny.

Amir, a feminist figure, has a controversial past, having been banned from Iran’s cinema industry for a decade after seeking political refuge in France following the leakage of her sex tape.

Chastain, whose FIFM opening speech touched on various societal issues, now finds herself at the center of a controversy regarding its interpretation. Audience opinions are divided between perceiving the speech as pro-Palestine or pro-Israel, further complicating the narrative surrounding the actresses’ political stances.

As the social media backlash intensifies, both actresses face the challenge of managing their public image and addressing the questions surrounding their positions on sensitive political issues, alongside many previously “vocal” celebrities like Amal Clooney.

The silence around what’s happening in Palestine has put these artists under a tight scope.

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