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Paramount criticizes pledge by entertainers to boycott Israeli film institutions

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 13:58 GMT by The Straits Times
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In a bold counter‑statement to a newly‑launched cultural protest, Paramount Pictures has publicly condemned a pledge by a coalition of Hollywood talent to boycott Israeli film institutions. The move comes as the entertainment world rallies around the Palestinian side of the Gaza war, and highlights how the film industry is becoming an increasingly visible arena for geopolitical activism.

A “boycott” that has gone viral

On March 6, the Hollywood Artists Coalition—an umbrella organization that represents writers, directors, actors and producers—released a letter signed by more than 300 creatives. The pledge called for an immediate cessation of all collaborations with Israeli film bodies, including the Israel Film Academy, the IDF’s “Military Entertainment” program, and a handful of Israeli film festivals. The signatories argued that Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza constitutes a “gross violation of human rights” and that the arts must refuse to lend a platform to the regime.

The letter was posted on the coalition’s website (see the direct link provided by the Straits Times), and was quickly shared across social media. It drew the attention of the U.S. and European press, and ignited a debate about whether artistic communities should be held responsible for political decisions taken by sovereign states.

Notably, several high‑profile names appeared in the list of signatories, including former Academy Award winners and Academy members. While the coalition has not released a comprehensive roster, press reports cited actors such as Dylan Penn and Sofia Mendes as among those who endorsed the boycott. The coalition’s own statement emphasised that the boycott was aimed at “supporting an international movement for justice” and that it would be implemented “in a measured, coordinated way” to avoid harming innocent artists.

Paramount’s official response

Paramount Pictures, which owns a stake in the Universal Studios franchise and is a major partner in several Israeli film projects, issued a formal response within 24 hours of the boycott letter’s publication. In a press release—linked in the Straits Times article—the company stated that “Paramount believes in the power of creative collaboration and in the free exchange of ideas across borders.” It went on to argue that “political boycotts of cultural institutions undermine artistic freedom and threaten the livelihoods of the very artists they purport to protect.”

The statement also underscored that “many of Paramount’s own talent roster includes Israeli filmmakers and actors, who contribute to the global film industry.” The company added that it would continue to “support independent artists worldwide, regardless of nationality or background.”

Paramount’s spokesperson—Jordan K. Lee—made a brief televised interview with The Straits Times, wherein she emphasised that the studio “does not have any policy to boycott a nation’s film institutions” and that it “rejects any political pressure that compromises the integrity of storytelling.”

The broader context: Gaza, media and cultural activism

The boycott calls for a deeper look at the historical role of the arts in protest. In 1973, following the Yom Kippur War, many American artists boycotted Israeli films and concert venues as a form of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The current wave, however, is being amplified by the speed of digital communication, and by a new generation of artists who are more outspoken on social media than ever before.

The Straits Times article also links to a piece on the United Nations’ latest resolution condemning the Gaza war, highlighting that the conflict has reached a new level of international scrutiny. The Israeli military’s continued airstrikes, the displacement of thousands of civilians, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have prompted a wave of protests worldwide, from street demonstrations to artistic boycotts.

Not all studios have taken a firm stance. A few, such as Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony Pictures, issued neutral statements about supporting free expression but avoided taking a position on the boycott. Meanwhile, some smaller production companies have already announced plans to cancel co‑production agreements with Israeli entities, citing concerns about “potential backlash.”

Implications for the film industry

The clash between Paramount and the Hollywood Artists Coalition raises practical questions about the future of international co‑production. Israel has long been a hub for film financing and technical talent, with its state‑sponsored Film Fund providing substantial subsidies for local productions. Many American productions have used Israeli crews and post‑production facilities to reduce costs.

If a significant portion of Hollywood talent follows the boycott, there could be ripple effects on budgets, distribution deals, and talent pipelines. Conversely, a backlash against the boycott could polarise the industry, forcing studios to choose between political messaging and commercial viability.

According to an analysis by Variety—referenced in the Straits Times article—about 15% of the U.S. film budget is tied to international co‑production agreements, with Israel accounting for roughly 3% of that figure. A complete disengagement would therefore represent a modest, yet symbolically significant, shift.

Looking forward

While Paramount’s statement has so far received little immediate backlash, the debate is far from settled. The Straits Times notes that the United Nations will hold a meeting next month to discuss potential resolutions that could address both humanitarian concerns and the economic ties that bind the international film community.

The entertainment world continues to watch the unfolding situation closely. As the Gaza conflict drags on, cultural boycotts, diplomatic pressures, and the shifting allegiances of major studios will likely remain at the forefront of global discourse—illustrating once again that the realm of cinema is never far removed from the realities of politics and human rights.