Nearly 400 civil society organizations, public figures, and advocacy groups in Ghana are calling for the cancellation of an Israeli Film Festival set to take place this week in the capital, citing concerns over the ongoing war in Gaza and accusing the event’s organizers of promoting pro-Israel messaging under the guise of cultural diplomacy.
The festival, scheduled for September 16–20 at Silverbird Cinema inside Accra Mall, is sponsored by a range of private firms and institutions, including Kempinski Hotel, Rolider, SAF STL Amandi Foundation, and the publicly funded University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMac).
Opposition groups say the event represents a form of “soft power” designed to deflect criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which they describe as “genocidal” and “apartheid-like.” In a public statement released Monday, the coalition warned of economic boycotts and protests if the event proceeds as planned.
Concerns Over Public Sector Involvement
The participation of UniMac, a government-funded academic institution, has drawn particular scrutiny. Critics say its support for the festival is inconsistent with Ghana’s foreign policy history and public expectations for institutional neutrality in international conflicts.
“The University’s involvement in this event is a serious violation of public trust,” the coalition stated. “We cannot allow state-backed institutions to be complicit in cultural efforts that whitewash war crimes.”
A UniMac spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.
Public Figures Join Opposition
Among the signatories to the statement are several prominent Ghanaians, including veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr., former human rights commissioner Emile Short, academic Audrey Gadzekpo, filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo, and trade unionist Kwasi Adu-Amankwah. The group also includes artists, scholars, and activists from across Ghana’s civil society landscape.
The opposition reflects a broader sentiment in Ghana’s political and cultural circles, where solidarity with Palestinian causes has historical roots dating back to the post-independence era.
Calls for Boycotts and Demonstrations
In addition to urging Silverbird Cinema and its sponsors to withdraw from the festival, the coalition has announced plans for peaceful protests at the venue during the five-day event. Organizers said they are preparing to stage pickets and mobilize public participation to pressure stakeholders into cancelling the program.
“Silverbird Cinema and its sponsors are being put on notice,” the statement read. “We expect them to end their association with this festival or face sustained public backlash.”
Broader Context
The protest in Accra comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where rights groups estimate tens of thousands of civilian casualties over the past year. The ongoing conflict has intensified scrutiny of governments and institutions seen as engaging with Israel through cultural, academic, or commercial platforms.
The Ghanaian coalition includes organizations such as the Socialist Movement of Ghana, Economic Fighters League, Feminist groups, Rastafari Council, Rightify Ghana, and the Ghana chapter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Silverbird Cinema and the Israeli Embassy in Accra did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Source:TheDotNews