A coalition of nearly 400 individuals and organisations has called for the immediate cancellation of the Israeli Film Festival scheduled to take place at Silverbird Cinema, Accra Mall, from today, Tuesday, September 16 to 20, 2025.

The coalition, which includes prominent public figures, academics, artists, activists, and faith-based organisations, argues that the event is an attempt to “whitewash genocide and apartheid” amid the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In a strongly worded statement, the group urged Silverbird Cinema to pull out of hosting the festival and demanded that all sponsors, including Kempinski Hotel, SAF STLAmandi Foundation, Rolider, Sienna Services, EON, and the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMac), immediately withdraw their support.

“We cannot stand by while the genocide of Palestinians is laundered through art and culture. Ghana has always stood on the side of the oppressed – today we must stand with Palestine,” the statement read.

Accusations of Complicity

The campaigners say that hosting the festival amounts to complicity in what they describe as Israel’s crimes against humanity. They argue that Ghana’s long-standing anti-imperialist history and solidarity with global liberation movements are at stake.

“Any platform for apartheid, genocide, and the mass killing of Palestinian civilians is complicity in crimes against humanity,” the group warned, adding that “history will hold accountable those who side with apartheid and occupation.”

The coalition condemned what it called “breathtaking hypocrisy”, pointing out that Silverbird had recently screened Comrade Tambo’s London Recruits, an anti-apartheid film, on September 7, only to now host what they termed the “culture of today’s worst apartheid state.”

Prominent Ghanaians Speak Out

The movement has drawn support from some of Ghana’s most influential figures, including veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr, former CHRAJ Commissioner Justice Emile Short, filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo, academics Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo and Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, and Economic Fighters' League leader Ernesto Yeboah, among others.

The diversity of signatories, which spans trade unions, student networks, feminist groups, and human rights organisations, signals the depth of public concern.

“Across Africa, people are proud to stand against Israel’s racist, apartheid regime, and global solidarity with Palestine is stronger than ever,” the statement said.

Call for Public Protest

As part of their resistance, the coalition announced plans to picket Silverbird Cinema throughout the festival dates and warned of boycotts against all sponsors and partners who remain associated with the event.

“From 16 September, we will picket Silverbird in our numbers. If they persist, they will face relentless public resistance. There can be no ‘business as usual’ for enablers of apartheid and genocide,” the group declared.

The campaigners also criticised UniMac’s involvement, describing it as a “disgraceful abuse of public trust.” They called on Vice Chancellor Prof. Eric Opoku-Mensah to reverse what they described as a dishonourable decision, particularly given the systematic destruction of educational and cultural institutions in Gaza.

“UniMac is a state university funded by the Ghanaian people. Its support for this festival is a terrible abuse of public trust,” the coalition emphasised.

Next Steps

The movement is rallying Ghanaians and international allies to take three key actions:

1. Boycott sponsors and partners of the festival.
2. Join peaceful pickets at Silverbird Cinema during the festival dates.
3. Amplify the message of solidarity with Palestine through social and traditional media.

The coalition’s final message was clear:

“Cancel this festival. Withdraw your sponsorship. The people are watching. History will judge.”