Mega film studio Paramount has denounced a pledge this week by more than 4,000 actors and filmmakers, including some Hollywood A-listers, to boycott the Israeli film industry — accusing it of being complicit in “genocide and apartheid” against Palestinians.
Paramount is the first of the major movie studios to condemn the pledge, according to Deadline.
The controversial pledge was issued in an open letter signed by some top-tier actors Olivia Colman, Lily Gladstone, Emma Stone, Peter Sarsgaard, and Elliot Page, as well as director Ava DuVernay.
Paramount issued a statement denouncing the pledge and making its stance on the matter clear. AFP via Getty ImagesThe letter called for the boycott, claiming Israel’s film studios are implicated in the destruction of the Palestinian people.
“Inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid,” founded in 1987 by Martin Scorsese and the late Jonathan Demme, “who refused to screen their films in apartheid South Africa, 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,” it read.
Pro-Palestineian protestors seen in midtown Manhattan on Aug. 16. Michael NigroIn response, Paramount blasted Film Workers for Palestine for “silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality” as Israel’s war with Hamas rages on, the outlet reported.
“At Paramount, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire people, promote mutual understanding and preserve the moments, ideas and events that shape the world we share. This is our creative mission,” the company told Deadline.
Paramount said the pledge stiffles individual expression. REUTERS“We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers,” the statement continued. “The global entertainment industry should be encouraging artists to tell their stories and share their ideas with audiences throughout the world.
“We need more engagement and communication — not less.”
Film Workers for Palestine insisted its pledge “does not target individuals based on identity,” and that its targets “are complicit Israeli film institutions and companies.”
The Israeli Film and TV Producers Association issued their own response to the pledge, saying, “The signatories of this petition are targeting the wrong people.”
