Over 1,200 film workers pledge boycott of 'Israeli' institutions over Gaza war

Hundreds of actors, directors, and other film professionals have pledged not to collaborate with 'Israeli' film institutions they say are complicit in “genocide and apartheid” against Palestinians.

The statement, signed by more than 1,200 people including Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Yorgos Lanthimos, Susan Sarandon, Carice Van Houten, Liam Cunningham, Joe Alwyn, Miriam Margolyes, and Ava DuVernay, commits signatories to refuse screening films, appearing at, or otherwise working with 'Israeli' festivals, cinemas, and production companies that partner with the government.

The pledge, published by the group Film Workers for Palestine, draws inspiration from the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa. It emphasizes that the move targets institutions, not individuals, and cites guidance from Palestinian civil society.

Screenwriter David Farr, one of the signatories, said the boycott is necessary in light of 'Israeli' actions in Gaza. “The cultural boycott was significant in South Africa. It will be significant this time,” he said.

The initiative follows similar actions in the entertainment industry over the past year, including open letters by actors and filmmakers condemning the war in Gaza and urging accountability.