Over 2,000 film workers, including top actors, pledge to avoid Israeli institutions linked to Gaza conflict.
Thousands in Film Industry Sign Gaza Boycott Pledge
International cinema figures unite
More than 2,000 members of the global film industry — including Javier Bardem, Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo and Riz Ahmed — have pledged not to work with Israeli film institutions or government bodies accused of involvement in “genocide and apartheid” against Palestinians. The statement was released Monday by Filmworkers for Palestine.
What the pledge entails
The signatories commit to refusing collaboration with Israeli film festivals, broadcasters, cinemas, and other organizations deemed to “whitewash or justify” alleged human rights abuses. The boycott does not extend to individual Israeli filmmakers, targeting only institutions described as complicit.
Calls from Palestinian filmmakers
The initiative follows appeals from Palestinian filmmakers urging international colleagues to oppose “silence, racism and dehumanization” tied to the Gaza conflict. Filmworkers for Palestine says most Israeli film entities have never endorsed full, internationally recognized rights for Palestinians.
Reasons behind the action
Citing an “urgent moment of crisis,” the pledge highlights the reported toll of nearly 63,000 Palestinian deaths and UN warnings of famine in Gaza. Oscar-nominated producer Mike Lerner described the action as a non-violent means to challenge “deadly impunity” and to use cinema’s influence to confront injustice.
High-profile and growing support
Beyond Bardem and Ruffalo, the list includes Ayo Edebiri, Tilda Swinton, Ava DuVernay, Adam McKay, Emma Stone, Elliot Page, Brian Cox, and Josh O’Connor. As of 5 p.m. EST Monday, more than 2,100 people had signed, with the petition remaining open for new endorsements.
Historical echoes and recent protests
The pledge draws inspiration from the 1987 Filmmakers United Against Apartheid movement, which sought to block U.S.-made films from screening in South Africa during apartheid. In recent weeks, red-carpet protests at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals have echoed this activism, with demonstrators calling for an end to what they describe as genocide in Gaza.
Stay connected with Canada’s latest headlines — follow Maple News Wire on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn.
