A Bold Move by Industry Titans

In a powerful declaration shaking the foundations of the film and television industry, over 1,200 prominent figures have pledged to avoid working with Israeli institutions perceived as complicit in war crimes against the Palestinian people. This remarkable coalition includes Oscar winners, BAFTA favorites, and Emmy recipients, all united under a critical cause.

Notable Signatories Join the Movement

Among the influential signatories are renowned filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, and Adam McKay, alongside celebrated actors including Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, and Mark Ruffalo. Together, they join a call for accountability, decrying institutions that support actions they believe are akin to genocide and apartheid.

The Pledge: A Call to Action Against Complicity

Published by Film Workers for Palestine, the pledge outlines clear reasoning. It cites complicity from various film festivals, including the Jerusalem Film Festival and others, that have not endorsed the rights of Palestinians. The pledge argues that in this critical time—amid global injustices—silence is complicity.

A Legacy of Resistance

This massive declaration draws inspiration from the legendary Filmmakers United Against Apartheid, founded in the late 1980s, which successfully urged the U.S. film industry to boycott apartheid South Africa. The current generation of filmmakers echoes that precedent, advocating for a moral stance against injustice.

Voices of Solidarity

As Hannah Einbinder emphasizes, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza compels artists to use their platform responsibly. "We must do everything in our power to end the genocide," she stated, highlighting the urgency for creative individuals to refuse complicity.

Ramping Up the Boycott

This pledge follows a similar movement last year where over 7,000 authors and literary workers, including notable names like Sally Rooney, boycotted Israeli publishers identified as complicit in oppression. The momentum for action is growing across artistic disciplines.

A Message for Change

The promise made by these artists connects deeply with the legal perspective, as the International Court of Justice has acknowledged a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza due to Israeli policies. The pledge calls for artists worldwide to join in solidarity with Palestinian filmmakers and to actively resist discrimination and dehumanization.

A Unified Stand

With this vow not to engage with certain Israeli film institutions, these influencers not only push for justice but also challenge the industry to reflect on its role in perpetuating conflict. This is a call not just for change within the film community, but a powerful statement that resonates with a broader movement for equal rights globally.