Leading figures in the Israeli film industry have expressed concern over a call for a cultural boycott, deeming the pledge “deeply troubling.” The open letter, signed by over 800 artists and industry professionals globally, urges a complete boycott of Israeli cultural institutions and individuals until Israel complies with international law regarding its treatment of Palestinians.
The petition acknowledges a nuanced landscape within the Israeli film sector,noting “a few Israeli film entities that are not complicit” and recommending adherence to “guidelines set by Palestinian civil society.” However, the call to boycott has sparked debate within Israel, where the film industry generates an estimated $80m in annual box office revenue, largely driven by US blockbusters but also supported by domestic productions like the period drama Soda and the thriller Highway 65.
The boycott request arrives amid heightened scrutiny of israel’s actions following the October 7th attacks and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While some filmmakers remain silent, the petition’s impact is evident in discussions surrounding recent Israeli-Palestinian co-productions. Notably, the directors of No Other Land, which won the Oscar for best documentary feature earlier this year for its depiction of Palestinian displacement in Masafer Yatta, are not among the signatories.
Israel’s film industry has garnered international recognition in recent years. Strangers no More won the Oscar for best short documentary in 2011. The Gatekeepers and 5 Broken Cameras received best documentary feature nominations in 2013. Critically acclaimed films like Late marriage, Turn Left at the End of the World, Synonyms (winner of Berlin’s Golden Bear in 2019), and Ahed’s Knee (shared the Jury prize at Cannes in 2021) have also achieved international acclaim. Other notable works include Eran Kolirin’s The Band’s Visit (2007) and Ari Folman’s Waltz With Bashir (2008).
The Guardian has sought comment from filmmakers not listed on the petition who have publicly addressed the conflict, including Hiam Abbass, Sacha Baron Cohen, Shira Haas, Natalie Portman, Gal Gadot, Ari Folman, and László Nemes.
