Paramount Breaks Silence, Condemns Boycott of Israeli Filmmakers
HOLLYWOOD – Paramount Pictures has become the first major studio to publicly oppose a growing boycott movement targeting Israeli film institutions. the statement comes after more than 3,900 industry professionals signed a pledge refusing to work with entities they accuse of complicity in “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”
Paramount’s chief communications officer, Melissa Zukerman, released a statement asserting the studio’s belief “in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire people, promote mutual understanding, and preserve the moments, ideas, and events that shape the world we share.”
The statement continued, “We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace. the global entertainment industry should be encouraging artists to tell their stories and share their ideas with audiences throughout the world. We need more engagement and interaction - not less.”
The pledge, published Monday by Film Workers for Palestine, alleges complicity through “whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government committing them.” Initial signatories included prominent filmmakers such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, and Adam McKay, alongside actors Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo, and Emma Stone.
As of Wednesday, the list of signees had grown to surpass 3,900, adding names like Nicola Coughlan, Andrew garfield, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara – the latter two recently served as executive producers on the Venice Film Festival-winning Gaza drama, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” and displayed pro-Palestine badges at its premiere.
