Filmmakers Pull From Tel Aviv LGBT Film Fest Over Israel BDS Boycott

Filmmakers set to present their films at the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival have pulled from participation, citing pressures from those pushing a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

Among those who’ve pulled away are director John Trengrove, who’s “The Wound” production was set to be shown on opening night, and screenwriter-actor Fawzia Mirza, and her “Signature Move” movie.

The festival opens Thursday and is set for June 10.

But BDS activists have really ratcheted up opposition, saying the festival simply “promotes the cunical use of gay rights, known as pinkwashing, to distract from and normalize Israeli occupation, settler colonialism and apartheid,” according to the opposition group Pinkwashing, JTA reported.

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency also reported:

“Among those who have pulled out in support of the cultural boycott of Israel, Haaretz reported, are South African director John Trengrove, whose film “The Wound” is the opening-night production; Canadian-Pakistani screenwriter and actor Fawzia Mirza (“Signature Move”); Nadia Ibrahim, a Palestinian living in Denmark who was to serve as a member of the festival jury and appear on a panel, and Swiss actor Jasna Fritzi Bauer.

“Trengrove reportedly decided to cancel his participation after he had already arrived in Israel — a trip that was paid for by the cash-strapped festival, according to Haaretz. …

“Part of the festival’s funding comes from the government through the Ministry of Culture and Sport.

“The annual Tel Aviv Gay Pride Parade will be held near the end of the festival on June 9.”