Film Workers for Palestine Defends Pledge Amid Paramount Controversy

LOS ANGELES, CA — Film Workers for Palestine issued a statement on Sunday rejecting Paramount Pictures‘ condemnation of its pledge to boycott Israeli companies they deem complicit in genocide. Actors Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Joaquin Phoenix are among those who have pledged not to work with these companies.

Paramount had previously criticized the pledge, alleging it silences individual artists. In response, Film Workers for Palestine accused the studio of misrepresenting their intentions. The group stated, “The pledge … does not target individuals based on identity. The targets are complicit Israeli film institutions and companies due to their involvement in justifying Israel’s actions in Gaza.”

The group expressed concern that Paramount’s statement might be an attempt to shield harmful practices from scrutiny. “Such a move would only shield a genocidal regime from criticism at a time when global outrage is exponentially growing,” they added.

Another point of contention raised by the group is the connection between Paramount’s owner, Larry Ellison, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The group asserted that Netanyahu has been linked to Ellison, who has a controversial relationship with the Prime Minister, wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

Film Workers for Palestine praised the growing number of filmmakers worldwide who have joined the pledge, linking their actions to historical movements against apartheid, particularly in South Africa. “Almost two years into Israel’s genocide in Gaza, a rapidly growing number of film workers are recognizing that withdrawing their participation from an evil system is essential,” they said.

To clarify their position, the organization emphasized that their call does not entail a boycott of Israeli individuals but a refusal to collaborate with institutions that participate in human rights abuses. They noted, “There are also 2 million Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, and Palestinian civil society has developed context-sensitive guidelines for that community.”

The controversy began when Paramount released a statement affirming its belief in storytelling as a means to foster understanding and connect people. They stated, “We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace.” This marks the first public response from a major studio regarding the pledge.

Ari Ingel, executive director at the Creative Community for Peace, argued that progress is achieved through collaboration rather than exclusion, stating, “The path to peace will not be paved by boycotts, censorship or exclusion.”

As the debate continues, Film Workers for Palestine urged that the situation calls for accountability and highlighted resources to help define the circumstances surrounding what constitutes a genocide.