Over 2,000 film industry workers have signed a pledge refusing to work with Israeli film institutions they claim are “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.” The pledge was announced on Monday by Film Workers for Palestine. Significantly, the number of signatories has grown rapidly since its initial release. Therefore, this represents one of the largest industry boycotts in recent memory.
High-Profile Signatories
The pledge includes numerous A-list actors and acclaimed filmmakers. Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, and Javier Bardem are among the most prominent names. Additionally, the list features Ayo Edebiri, Tilda Swinton, and Emma Stone. Furthermore, directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Ava DuVernay have also signed.
Other notable signatories include Gael García Bernal, Josh O’Connor, and Aimee Lou Wood. Moreover, producers James Wilson, Robyn Slovo, and Tracey Seaward have joined the pledge. Meanwhile, the list continues growing as more industry professionals add their names. Therefore, the movement spans various sectors of the film industry.
The Pledge Details
The pledge specifically targets Israeli film institutions including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters, and production companies. Signatories promise not to screen films, appear at events, or work with these organizations. They cite these institutions’ alleged complicity in actions against Palestinian people.
The document draws inspiration from Filmmakers United Against Apartheid. Furthermore, this group previously refused to screen films in apartheid South Africa. Meanwhile, current signatories reference similar moral obligations. Therefore, they frame their action as part of a historical precedent.
Reasons Behind Their Actions
The pledge cites the “unrelenting horror” in Gaza as primary motivation. Signatories reference Israel’s military actions that have killed more than 64,000 Palestinians. Moreover, they point to the destruction of most of Gaza’s territory. Meanwhile, they describe these actions as genocide and apartheid.
Industry professionals say they are responding to calls from Palestinian filmmakers. Furthermore, these calls urge the industry to “refuse silence, racism, and dehumanization.”Asking colleagues to “do everything humanly possible” to end the situation. Therefore, the pledge represents both moral stance and professional solidarity.
