Over 1,300 Film Professionals Pledge Boycott of Israeli Institutions Over Genocide Claims

Over 1,300 actors and filmmakers, including Olivia Colman, Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo, Ava DuVernay, and Yorgos Lanthimos, have signed a pledge refusing to collaborate with Israeli film institutions they accuse of being complicit in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people. The pledge, organized by Film Workers for Palestine, commits signatories to boycott festivals, cinemas, broadcasters, and production companies that support or whitewash these alleged abuses, drawing inspiration from the 1987 Filmmakers United Against Apartheid movement. Signatories emphasize cinema's power to shape perceptions and express urgency in addressing complicity amid ongoing violence in Gaza, condemning governments that enable the crisis. Notable signers like British Jewish writer David Farr have cited personal and historical reasons for their stance, condemning Israel's policies as apartheid and genocide. The pledge highlights a call from Palestinian filmmakers urging the international industry to reject silence, racism, and dehumanization. This collective action marks a significant moment in the film industry's response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.