Hollywood Figures Pledge Boycott of Israeli Film Institutions
Jakarta – Over 1,800 actors, entertainers, and producers, including numerous Hollywood stars, have signed a pledge refusing to cooperate with Israeli film institutions they accuse of involvement in human rights violations and mistreatment of Palestinians. The pledge was released Monday, August 9th.
The commitment, inspired by FilmMakers United Against Apartheid’s stance against South Africa’s apartheid regime, specifically targets Israeli festivals, cinemas, broadcasters, and production companies. It does not call for a boycott of individual Israeli filmmakers.
“We promised not to show films, perform in, or cooperate with Israeli film institutions…involved in genocide and apartheids towards the Palestinian people,” the pledge states.
The Israeli government has dismissed the boycott call as discriminatory. Israel maintains its actions in Gaza are “self-defense” following the October 2023 attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of over 250 hostages, according to israeli figures.
However, subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in tens of thousands of palestinian deaths, widespread displacement, and a severe hunger crisis.
actor Mark Ruffalo recently drew attention to the unfolding humanitarian disaster, stating on Instagram on august 23, 2025, “Forced hunger, man-made hunger disasters, children and families miserable, while the world is silent watching. This is not a natural disaster.” He further criticized world leaders, stating, “Your silence is a form of involvement…Your inaction actually exacerbates this suffering.”