Oscar-winning director joins boycott, withdraws from Israeli festival
2 Min Read
French director Michel Gondry has withdrawn his film from the Cinema South Festival in Sderot as cultural boycotts of “Israel” mount over the war on Gaza war.
-
French director Michel Gondry poses during a photo session on the sidelines of the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 21, 2023 (AFP)
French director Michel Gondry has withdrawn his animated film "Maya, Give Me a Title" from the upcoming Cinema South Festival in Sderot, joining a growing list of international filmmakers boycotting “Israel” over its ongoing war on Gaza.
The Oscar-winning director’s film was scheduled for its Israeli premiere at the festival, set to run November 6–13 at the Sderot Cinematheque.
Festival artistic director Tamir Hod confirmed the withdrawal on Sunday, saying several other international films had also been canceled. “It’s not the only film that has been canceled for political reasons, but we feel what all Israeli film festivals are experiencing. They’re pulling films from us, all over the place,” Hod said.
He did not specify which other films had been withdrawn.
Cultural boycotts against 'Israel' expand
Gondry, best known for directing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and music videos for artists like Radiohead, did not issue a statement on the move. His decision, however, comes amid mounting cultural boycotts of “Israel” during the nearly two-year war on Gaza.
The trend reflects growing momentum within the cultural sector. Recently, more than 4,000 Hollywood professionals, including actors Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix, and directors Yorgos Lanthimos and Ava DuVernay, signed a pledge not to collaborate with “Israeli” festivals or institutions they accuse of complicity in genocide and apartheid against Palestinians.
At the same time, Levi admitted to AFP that many artists in “Israel” are considering leaving, citing fears of worsening isolation due to the expanding cultural boycott.
