Jakarta – Paramount Pictures has publicly condemned a pledge signed by over 4,000 actors,entertainers,and producers vowing to refrain from working with Israeli film institutions accused of human rights violations against Palestinians. The statement, released Friday, marks a significant response to growing calls for a boycott amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The pledge, initiated earlier this week, clarifies it does not seek to ban collaboration with individual Israeli filmmakers, but rather to sever ties with institutions perceived as complicit in or justifying violations of Palestinian rights – a tactic reminiscent of past boycotts against South Africa during the Apartheid era. Signatories include prominent actors Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Mark ruffalo, Tilda Swinton, Riz Ahmed, Javier Bardem, and Cynthia Nixon.
“We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Developing individual creative artists based on citizenship will not increase understanding or advance the purpose of peace,” Paramount stated, as reported by Dawn on September 14th. “We need more involvement and interaction – not less.”
The pledge was spurred by images of widespread suffering in Gaza, including severe hunger and the deaths of Palestinian civilians, particularly children, following the Israeli military offensive launched in October 2023. According to reports, the attacks have resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and the internal displacement of Gaza’s entire population.Numerous human rights experts and academics have characterized the situation as a potential genocide.
Some organizations have already been facing pressure to sever ties with the Israeli goverment due to the escalating violence. Paramount’s response underscores the complex and sensitive nature of navigating the conflict within the entertainment industry.
(ass/tia)