Paramount criticizes pledge by entertainers to boycott Israeli film institutions

In a significant development echoing through the entertainment industry, Paramount, a major Hollywood studio, has publicly voiced its disapproval regarding a recent pledge by thousands of entertainers to boycott Israeli film institutions.

More than 4,000 actors, producers, and other industry professionals, including notable names like Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Tilda Swinton, committed to a boycott earlier this week. Their pledge targets Israeli film institutions, which signatories believe are complicit in the alleged abuse of Palestinians by Israel, especially amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Paramount’s statement on Friday marked the first time a major studio has responded to the initiative. The studio firmly stated, "We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers," emphasizing that "silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace." They advocated for "more engagement and communication – not less."

Organizers of the pledge, however, clarified their stance, asserting that their call is not to cease working with Israeli *individuals*, but specifically to "refuse to work with Israeli institutions that are complicit in Israel’s human rights abuses." They likened the current situation to past boycotts against apartheid-era South Africa, suggesting Israeli film institutions have engaged in "whitewashing or justifying" the treatment of Palestinians.

This debate unfolds against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s military assault since October 2023 has led to tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, prompting concerns of a starvation crisis. Conversely, Israel maintains its actions are a matter of self-defense, following the October 2023 attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and over 250 taken hostage.