- September 29, 2025
- 2:04 pm
- Brief news
September 29, 2025. Liev Schreiber joined more than 1,200 filmmakers who refused to support the boycott of Israel, reports The Guardian.
Position of the Filmmakers
The filmmakers published an open letter through the nonprofit organizations Creative Community for Peace and The Brigade. The document claims that the message from the group “Filmmakers for Palestine” represents “disinformation,” as the Israeli film industry often criticizes its government’s policies.
The statement emphasizes:
“We recognize the power of cinema and the importance of storytelling. We cannot remain silent when the confusion between lies and justice turns history into a weapon leading to anti-Semitism.”
Support for the Statement
Among those who joined the appeal were Liev Schreiber, Mayim Bialik, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Debra Messing. The latter noted that boycotting artistic creativity based on the country of origin is “blatant discrimination and a betrayal of our role as storytellers.”
Boycott Due to the War in Gaza
In early September, many Hollywood stars, including Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, Olivia Colman, and Mark Ruffalo, called for a boycott of Israeli filmmakers and their projects in connection with the conflict in Gaza. Currently, the appeal is supported by about five thousand people who promised not to cooperate with Israeli film institutions, claiming their involvement in genocide against the Palestinian people.
Clarifications to the Declaration
In the declaration by Filmmakers for Palestine, it is clarified that this promise in no way prevents the signatories from working with Israelis. The ban only concerns cooperation with institutions “involved in human rights violations.” It is emphasized that they are refusing institutional complicity, not identity.
Concerns of Israeli Filmmakers
After the publication of the statement, which did not mention Hamas or condemn its actions, many representatives of the Israeli film industry expressed concern about the boycott. The country’s production and creative divisions considered the decision erroneous, claiming it would only “deepen the darkness.”
Reaction of Global Studios
The American studio Paramount also condemned the boycott, noting:
“The attempt to silence individual artists based on nationality does not contribute to fostering mutual understanding or peace. The global entertainment industry needs to support artists in their quest to share stories and ideas with a worldwide audience. The need for communication and interaction only increases.”