In response to IDFA's damaging statement on 11 November 2023:   

Our statement and Demands

With hearts weighed down like the rubble in Gaza, the Palestinian Film Institute (PFI) announces its withdrawal from all organized activities at the IDFA Market. This includes the presentation of three poignant documentary projects capturing the supposed ‘essence’ of the Palestinian experience. While recognizing the attendance of many, we, as programmers, filmmakers, and audience members, assert our refusal to collaborate with a festival engaged in institutional violence and censorship.

For five weeks, IDFA remained silent in the face of the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. Over 11,000 lives lost, 1 million displaced, and 3,000 missing; a grim picture of the atrocities against Palestinians. Moreover, journalists and documentarists bravely documenting war crimes were targeted and murdered, with 41 killed in the last 36 days by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

In response to IDFA's silence, three activists seized the Opening Night stage, holding a banner that displayed the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."  An iconic slogan of solidarity that envisions a unified, equal land for Palestinians of all faiths, reminiscent of pre-Nakba times.

Even though the above-mentioned slogan is legally protected and considered non-discriminatory under Dutch law, in a damaging statement released on the 10th of November, IDFA decided to condemn this slogan, overshadowing the activists' plea for solidarity and liberation. IDFA eventually issued a belated statement on the same day, calling for a ceasefire only after the vilification of Palestinian voices.

As the world's largest documentary film festival, IDFA holds the responsibility to respond to the plight of journalists and documentarians on the ground in Gaza, the Palestinian film community, and Palestinian lives. Contrary to its stated goal of promoting films that inspire critical thinking and societal betterment, IDFA's actions fall short. 

The Palestine Film Institute is steadfast in its belief in the transformative power of authentic narratives and stories. Our mission is to carve out a space for Palestinian filmmakers within the industry, offering them opportunities to showcase their films, gain visibility, and secure an equal standing in renowned film festivals like IDFA, Cannes, and Sheffield DocFest, among others. This endeavor is a collective undertaking involving filmmakers and those championing film production. Remarkably, it thrives without the backing of an official support body or the recognition of a nation-state. Our project is a testament to the dedication and time invested in building trust and evolving alongside friends and allies.

We demand IDFA's acknowledgment that their statement unjustly criminalizes Palestinian voices and narratives.

Until this demand is granted, we urge those of you attending, moderating, showing their films, or participating in any other ways to consider the following actions to hold IDFA accountable:

  1. Sign our petition here: https://chng.it/98X6QJZgLY

    A petition demanding that IDFA aligns with its claims of being supportive of “films that help us think, see, and experience so we are willing to stand up for others and build better societies with more democracy, openness, and humanity.”

  2. Film Withdrawal

    Recommend that filmmakers withdraw their films from the festival.

  3. Utilize Q&As, Talks, and Panels

    Advocate for using Q&As, talks, and panels as platforms to either read the provided statement or present personalized statements focusing on the Palestinian struggle.

  4. Refund Requests

    Advise participants to request refunds for their tickets, accompanied by a statement explaining their decision to boycott the festival due to the withdrawal of their film.

  5. Direct Communication with IDFA

    Encourage individuals to write directly to IDFA, expressing how they are personally affected by the controversial statement and urging the festival to reconsider its position.

“Son of the Streets” by PFI Alumni Mohammed Almughanni has been selected to pitch in the IDFA Forum

Palestine Documentary Hub is an initiative by the Palestine Film Institute in collaboration with IDFA. The 6th edition is developed in cooperation with IDA, the International Documentary Association. The PFI wants to extend its gratitude and thanks to the many friends who made this possible, including the filmamkers, the consultatns, and the IDFA market team.