Nearly 70 Palestinian directors condemn Hollywood's dehumanization of Palestinians

Prominent Palestinian filmmakers, like two-time Oscar nominee Hany Abu-Assad, acclaimed director Elia Suleiman, BAFTA winner Farah Nabulsi, and 64 others, united to criticize Hollywood's portrayal of Palestinians.

In a strongly worded letter, published by Variety on Wednesday, the filmmakers argue that decades of "dehumanization" in Western media have contributed to the ongoing devastation in Gaza.

The letter condemns the "inhumanity and racism" exhibited by parts of the Western entertainment industry, particularly during the current crisis.

The filmmakers assert that Hollywood's harmful stereotypes have long justified and whitewashed violence against Palestinians, portraying them as "worthless, disposable beings."

This initiative marks the first collective action by Palestinian filmmakers since the escalation of violence that began on October 7, 2023.

The filmmakers emphasize their efforts to counter these negative portrayals through their work, offering alternative narratives that reflect the realities of Palestinian life and resistance.

However, they also express frustration over persistent censorship and discrimination that they believe targets them for their identity rather than their creativity.

While acknowledging a shift towards a more ethical stance in some parts of the industry, the filmmakers caution that significant challenges remain in combating the anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racist propaganda that continues to dominate Western media.

In their call to action, the filmmakers urge their international colleagues to speak out against the ongoing violence and to resist the erasure, racism, and censorship that enable it.

They also call for a boycott of production companies complicit in the dehumanization of Palestinians or in justifying “Israel’s” actions against them.