Over 4,000 members of the film industry have signed a new pledge vowing not to work with Israeli film institutions.
The pledge had over 4,000 names signing up as of this morning (September 11). Actors Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Ayo Edebiri, Riz Ahmed, and Josh O’Connor were among the signatories, alongside film-makers such as film-makers Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, and Asif Kapadia.
The pledge by organisation Film Workers For Palestine reads: “As filmmakers, actors, film industry workers, and institutions, we recognize the power of cinema to shape perceptions. In this urgent moment of crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can to address complicity in that unrelenting horror.”
It continues: “We answer the call of Palestinian filmmakers, who have urged the international film industry to refuse silence, racism, and dehumanization, as well as to ‘do everything humanly possible’ to end complicity in their oppression.
“Inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid who refused to screen their films in apartheid South Africa, we pledge not to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions—including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies—that are implicated* in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”
The pledge echoes similar movements in the music industry, such as an alliance of musicians formed by Massive Attack speaking out over Gaza and against “intimidations from within” the industry. Together For Palestine, a one-off show at OVO Arena Wembley with performances from “artists, musicians and people for whom silence feels impossible” Is being held on September 17.
In February, many of the same entertainment figures signed an open letter criticising the BBC for pulling a documentary about the lives of children in Gaza. In June, it was announced that Channel 4 would show the documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack after it was also dropped by the corporation.
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