JTA: The Global News Service of the Jewish People

Toronto, Tel Aviv and apartheid

By Uriel Heilman · September 3, 2009

Danny Glover, Jane Fonda and Alice Walker have a problem with a Toronto film festival celebrating Tel Aviv, which they call "contested ground" governed by an "apartheid regime" (see our brief on it here).

Now there are three reasons not to rent the "Lethal Weapon" movies: 1. Danny Glover 2. Mel Gibson 3. The movies aren't very good.

What may be even worse than the celebrities who came out against the film festival -- a letter of protest and withdrawal from the festival was signed by more than 50 prominent filmmakers, writers, artists and academics -- was the response of the festival's co-director, Cameron Bailey. He writes:

We recognize that Tel Aviv is not a simple choice and that the city remains contested ground. We continue to learn more about the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement...

The goal of City to City is to take a closer look at global cities through a cinematic lens, especially cities where film contributes to or chronicles social change in compelling ways. We believe that the 10 films in our inaugural programme do just that. We encourage everyone to see the films, engage in debate and draw their own conclusions.

In addition to City to City, our Festival lineup also includes other important films from the region, including two films by Palestinian filmmakers and others from Lebanon and Egypt. As these films address the past history and current realities of the region, we hope they will become part of this year's conversations.

Read the full letter here.