Film Workers for Palestine said Monday that more than 1,200 filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals have signed an open letter pledging to boycott Israeli film institutions they accuse of being “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”

The group confirmed that recent additions include two-time Academy Award winner Emma Stone, Peter Sarsgaard, Lily Gladstone, and Elliot Page. Other high-profile signatories listed are Ava DuVernay, Olivia Colman, Adam McKay, Asif Kapadia, Ayo Edebiri, Boots Riley, Cynthia Nixon, Debra Winger, Emma Seligman, Gael García Bernal, Hannah Einbinder, Ilana Glazer, Javier Bardem, Josh O’Connor, Joshua Oppenheimer, Lukas Dhont, Mark Ruffalo, Melissa Barrera, Morgan Spector, Riz Ahmed, Susan Sarandon, Tilda Swinton, and Yorgos Lanthimos.

The open letter, released on Instagram, states that the pledge was modeled after the 1987 movement 'Filmmakers United Against Apartheid, founded by Jonathan Demme and Martin Scorsese in opposition to apartheid South Africa. The pledge commits signatories to avoid screening films, attending events, or working with Israeli film institutions — including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters, and production companies — alleged to be complicit in “whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government committing them.”

In a response, the Israeli Film & TV Producers Association called the boycott “misguided” and said it undermines cultural collaboration. “The signatories of this petition are targeting the wrong people,” the association said, arguing that Israeli artists and creators have long provided platforms for Palestinian narratives and critiques of Israeli policy.

The statement added that Israeli and Palestinian creators work together on films, series, and documentaries aimed at promoting dialogue and peace. The group described the boycott as “shortsighted” and said it would “eliminate precisely the collaborative efforts working toward ending violence and achieving peace.”

TRENDING NEWS