Actors Ayo Edebiri, Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo, and others advocate for film industry ban on Israeli institutions due to the Gaza conflict

In a significant move, over 1,300 film industry professionals, including Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, and director Yorgos Lanthimos, have signed a pledge to boycott Israeli film institutions. The initiative, organised by Film Workers for Palestine, mirrors growing activism within the arts community and is a response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The pledge cites a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, which found a "plausible risk of genocide in Gaza." It states that Israel's occupation and apartheid against Palestinians are unlawful. The boycott call targets Israeli film institutions, including public and private broadcasters and many film festivals, cinemas, and networks, accusing them of complicity in genocide and apartheid policies against Palestinians. However, the pledge does not specify individual companies or institutions by name.

Oscar-nominated producer Mike Lerner, one of the supporters of the new pledge, describes it as a peaceful and necessary action. He states that it is the responsibility of every independently minded artist to use their powers of expression to support global resistance. Lerner considers the pledge an essential non-violent tool.

The pledge states that as filmmakers, actors, and industry workers, they recognise the power of cinema to shape perceptions. It calls on industry figures to refuse work with Israeli film bodies and companies implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people. The pledge also urges them to do everything they can to address complicity in the unrelenting horror in Gaza.

The new pledge draws inspiration from Filmmakers United Against Apartheid, a movement from the 1980s. Actors, directors, and producers are increasingly using their platforms to speak out on political and humanitarian issues. Mike Lerner emphasises that the boycott is a response to the many governments enabling violence in Gaza.

The pledge does not indicate any specific actions or consequences for those who refuse to comply with the boycott. However, it underscores the growing international concern over the situation in Gaza and the role of the film industry in shaping public opinion. The boycott call serves as a call to action for those in the film industry to use their influence to promote peace and justice.

Actors Ayo Edebiri, Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo, and others advocate for film industry ban on Israeli institutions due to the Gaza conflict