Venice: Amos Gitai Rejects Calls for Boycott of New Film ‘Why War’

Israeli Director Responds to BDS Campaign

Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai has rejected calls to boycott his latest film, ‘Why War’, after a Palestinian-led campaign group accused him of normalizing Israeli occupation.

Background

• The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement is a Palestinian-led campaign that calls for the boycott of Israel.
• BDS targets companies, institutions, and individuals that do business with Israel.
• The movement has accused Gitai of whitewashing Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

Gitai has defended his film, saying that it is a "universal" story about the futility of war. He has also said that he is not afraid of BDS and that he will continue to make films about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Film Synopsis

'Why War' is a documentary film that explores the causes and consequences of war. The film features interviews with world leaders, soldiers, and victims of war.

Gitai has said that he made the film in order to "understand why we continue to kill each other." He has also said that he hopes the film will help to promote peace.

Reaction to Film

The film has received mixed reviews. Some critics have praised Gitai for his courage in tackling such a difficult subject. Others have accused him of simplifying the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite the controversy, the film has been selected to compete for the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. The festival will take place from August 30 to September 9.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding 'Why War' highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. The film is likely to spark further debate about the role of art in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.