Approximately 1,400 filmmakers opt to shun Israeli film institutions in protest

In a bold move, the group "Film Workers for Palestine" has published an initiative aimed at the film industry, emphasising its influential role in shaping perceptions. The call is not against individual Israeli film professionals, but rather against institutions that are perceived as being complicit in acts of genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.

The group's stance is clear: actions that glorify or justify these heinous crimes, or collaborate with the government that commits them, are unacceptable. This stance is inspired by the cultural boycott that played a significant role in the end of apartheid in South Africa during the 1990s.

The signatories of the initiative have pledged not to exhibit films, appear at Israeli film institutions, or collaborate with them if they are found to be involved in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people. However, a search of results does not reveal any Israeli film institutions that have been classified as such, or have refused to apologise for their involvement.

The statement continues by following the call of Palestinian filmmakers who urge the international film industry to reject silence, racism, and dehumanization. They urge the industry to do everything humanly possible to end complicity in their oppression.

This initiative is a powerful reminder of the responsibility that the film industry holds in shaping public opinion and promoting justice. As the world watches, we await the response from Israeli film institutions and the international film community at large.