Actors Rosie O’Donnell, Cynthia Nixon, and Elliot Page are set to host an online screening and discussion for Gaza: Journalists Under Fire, a documentary focusing on Palestinian journalists working in high-risk conditions while covering the conflict in Gaza.
The virtual event will be held in collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula in Carmel, California, on Thursday. The screening will be followed by a conversation featuring the film’s director, Robert Greenwald, along with the three participating public figures.
A Documentary Spotlighting Frontline Reporting
According to the official invitation, the film aims to highlight the personal stories of journalists in Gaza who, despite the risks, continue reporting from the ground.
“At its heart, Gaza: Journalists Under Fire is the deeply personal story of Palestinian journalists who risk – and too often lose – their lives to show us the reality on the ground,” the event description reads.
Director Robert Greenwald, known for his work on socially focused documentaries, will join the post-screening discussion. The film has already received strong reactions from early viewers, with journalist Cenk Uygur calling it “one of the most powerful movies you’ll ever see.” Former MSNBC host Joy Reid also praised Greenwald’s work, saying he is “a documentarian I aspire to be like.”
Public Response and Rising Debate
A promotional video for the screening featured Nixon, O’Donnell, and Page encouraging members of the LGBTQ+ community to join the conversation.
“This is a screening that is open to everybody, but we’ve particularly gone out to queer people to join us,” Cynthia Nixon said.
Rosie O’Donnell added, “People who understand oppression have stood up to speak against this ongoing humanitarian crisis.”
The event has sparked online reactions across social media. While many praised the trio for using their platforms to highlight journalists’ safety and freedom of the press, some critics expressed disagreement with the event’s message. One widely circulated comment questioned the celebrities’ stance, sparking debate about activism, artistic expression, and public responsibility.
A Conversation Beyond the Screen
Gaza: Journalists Under Fire seeks to draw attention to the experiences of reporters who continue working in conflict zones. The upcoming virtual screening is positioned not only as a film event but as a broader discussion on journalism, accountability, and the role of public voices in global advocacy.
As the event approaches, interest continues to grow — reflecting how cultural figures and documentary storytelling increasingly intersect with public conversations about international reporting and human rights.
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