At this critical moment in time, we are compelled to voice – firmly and unequivocally – our opposition to the continuation of the war.
The abandonment of Israeli hostages, the killing of civilians in Gaza, the infliction of physical and psychological harm, and the complete devaluation of human life needs to end.
The war in Gaza must stop.
Docaviv film festival is a non-profit organization. Within these parameters, we have operated for 27 years. Despite limitations, we have consistently advanced freedom of expression and provided a platform for critical films that challenge dominant narratives: films that engage with the sensitive and painful core of the many political, social, and cultural fault lines spanning 77 years of Israel’s history.
These films recount who we were in the past, who we are in the present, and who we may become in the future. They expose, identify, disrupt, provoke, illuminate, and inspire dialogue and reflection. True to our mission as a documentary film festival, they “keep it real”.
We are also attentive to the voices within the global filmmaking community calling for a refusal to cooperate with Israeli cultural institutions. As Artistic Director of Docaviv Festival – an institution committed to human rights, equality, justice, freedom of expression, and peace – I see myself and the festival as part of the international documentary filmmaking community, and accept the moral responsibility for the criticism directed at us, the filmmakers of Israel, however, we do not support any cultural boycott.
In recent years, we have endeavored to sustain a critical discourse within civilian society.
We recognize, however, that this is not enough.
While I cannot stop a tank with my body, I will persist in opposing the forces that have sent it.
We call upon our colleagues in the international community: do not conflate the Israeli government with the state and its people. The budgets allocated to cinema in Israel do not belong to the government; they belong to the public. They belong to the citizens, to the taxpayers. These resources enable us to amplify critical voices, to shed light on injustices, and to provide the broad platform we dedicate to filmmakers from across the world, offering audiences the opportunity to encounter urgent and meaningful cinema.
This is the moment to strengthen liberal institutions and voices of dissent within Israel, and to ensure that they do not disappear.
May we see peace in our lifetime,
Michal Weits
Artistic Director – Docaviv International Documentary Film Festival