More than a thousand actors, directors and film industry workers — including some big-name, celebrity A-listers — have signed a pledge vowing not to work with Israeli film institutions they say are “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people”.
“As film-makers, actors, film industry workers, and institutions, we recognise the power of cinema to shape perceptions,” the pledge by the Film Workers for Palestine reads.
“In this urgent moment of crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can to address complicity in that unrelenting horror. We pledge not to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions—including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies — that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”
The pledge was inspired by a cultural boycott which helped contribute to the end of apartheid in South Africa. It currently has more than 1300 signatures, including Aimee Lou Wood, Ayo Edebiri, Cynthia Nixon, Olivia Coleman, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Emma Stone and Javier Bardem, just to name a few.
However, in a statement to The Guardian, the Israeli Producers Association claims that those who signed the petition are “targeting the wrong people”.
“This call for a boycott is profoundly misguided,” they said.
“By targeting us — the creators who give voice to diverse narratives and foster dialogue — these signatories are undermining their own cause and attempting to silence us. This shortsighted act seeks to eliminate precisely the collaborative efforts working toward ending violence and achieving peace. We will not allow this and will push back in our efforts to end violence and bring just peace to our region for the benefit of all.”
According to UN figures, at least 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, and more than 154,000 wounded — most of them civilians.
The pledge comes after many Palestinian activists have urged celebrities to use their platform to bring awareness to the genocide. Over the last multiple campaigns to protest against Israel within the entertainment industry.
A heap of names on the new pledge, such as Melissa Barrera and Mark Ruffalo, are members of the Screen Actors Guild who signed a petition to stop people from being blacklisted from entertainment roles for their views on Palestine.
Back in May, a letter signed by 370 actors, including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, was published on the first day of the Cannes Film Festival and condemned the film industry for its “silence” over Israel’s deadly military campaign in Gaza.
You can find the full list of the Film Workers for Palestine pledge signatures HERE.
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