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South Africa film festival boycotts Israel productions in solidarity with Gaza

May 24, 2021 at 3:53 pm

Durban International Film Festival poster [Twitter]

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) decided to boycott Israeli cinematic productions, in protest against the recent aggression on the Gaza Strip and the continuing violation of Palestinian rights.

DIFF declined the participation of Director Yakie Ayalon with his documentary “Eretz Go”, which recounts the journey of an immigrant family from Nigeria to Israel.

Ayalon received an email from the organising committee stating that the festival is committed to boycotting Israel, based on its belief in social justice and the value of human rights and dignity.

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The DIFF organising committee said: “We will not be presenting any films made by Israeli directors during the Durban International Film Festival as long as the rights of Palestinians continue to be repressed by the Israeli government,” adding that they had once lived through a similar apartheid system in South Africa, according to AFP.

The organising committee assumed the responsibility to do whatever possible through available means to ensure international support for the Palestinian struggle.

DIFF is due to be held from 22 July to 1 August.