Swiss Film Festival Cancels Israeli Oscar Entry Amid Boycott Threats

The Everybody's Perfect queer film festival in Geneva has removed "Independence," the Israeli film selected to represent the country at the Oscars, from its program following threats of a boycott by local organizations, including a Palestinian film festival. The festival initially scheduled two screenings of the film, directed by Moshe Rosenthal.

According to Charlotte Spector, a spokesperson for the festival, organizers received emails from the Palestine, Filmer C'est Exister festival threatening a boycott. Pressure also came from a pro-Palestinian student organization at the University of Geneva and BDS Geneva. Both festivals receive partial funding from the Geneva city council.

Variety reported that the festival asked Rosenthal and his production company, Green Productions, to state their position on the current Israeli government and the war in Palestine. They responded that they do not represent the Israeli government and do not fund or produce films supporting its policies. Despite this, the festival decided to cancel the screenings on Monday.

Producers of "Independence" stated that a film does not represent a government and filmmakers should not be held responsible for its policies, noting that many Israelis oppose the war and are critical of their government. They questioned whether Iranian or American filmmakers would be asked for similar statements.

Sylvie Cachin, the artistic director, told a Swiss newspaper that the cancellation was not related to the film itself but was an effort to avoid controversy just before the festival's opening. Spector added that the film is a beautiful story about the 1980s and AIDS, with no connection to current events. The festival organizers apologized to the filmmaker and production company, stating they personally disagreed with the backlash but felt compelled to make the decision for the good of the festival audience.

"Independence," starring Assi Cohen, is set in the 1980s and tells the story of a 12-year-old boy dealing with a significant secret and a family falling apart. The film won ten Ophir Awards, including Best Feature Film, and was the first Israeli feature film in a decade to premiere in the international competition at the Sundance Film Festival.