Israeli Actor Yuval Bronz Detained Following Ophir Awards Ceremony, Faces Terrorism Incitement Probe
Yuval Bronz, star of the award-winning film “Yes,” was recently arrested by Israeli police shortly after attending the Ophir Awards, Israel’s equivalent of the Oscars. The arrest stems from a poem he wrote, with authorities suspecting incitement to commit an act of terrorism. Bronz, who has described himself as a “subversive artist” at odds with the Israeli government for the past 14 years, was released on bail but is required to appear before a judge.
The timing of the arrest has raised concerns, with Bronz suggesting the right-wing government was “embarrassed” by the Ophir Awards ceremony and the win for “Yes,” a film centered on a Palestinian child. “It was a very strange timing because we had this ceremony and a few hours after it, I was taken by the police,” he stated. “Yes” also received several technical awards at the Ophirs.
the Ophir Awards ceremony itself was marked by political statements, with numerous winners using the platform to call for an end to the war in Gaza. Many wore black t-shirts bearing anti-war messages, including ”a child is a child is a child,” while others displayed images of hostages.
The incident comes as Israel’s Culture Minister Zohar announced the creation of a government-backed “Israeli State Oscar Ceremony” intended to replace the Ophir Awards, which he claims has become a platform for “extremist and delusional voices” that “harm the fabric of Israeli society.”
Simultaneously occurring, the Israeli film industry is facing increasing international pressure, including a boycott petition signed by nearly 4,000 entertainment industry figures – including Emma Stone and joaquin Phoenix – alleging complicity in “war crimes” in Gaza.
Despite the escalating tensions, Bronz highlighted the collaborative nature of the Israeli and Palestinian film communities. “It’s pretty amazing.It’s like a utopia or imaginary world where peace can happen,” he said.
“Yes,” which premiered at Cannes’ Directors Fortnight,opened in France on Wednesday.