A coalition of nearly 400 individuals and organisations has called for the immediate cancellation of the Israeli Film Festival scheduled to run at Silverbird Cinema, Accra Mall, from Tuesday, September 16 to 20, 2025.
The coalition—which includes public figures, academics, artists, activists, and faith-based groups—argues that the festival represents an attempt to “whitewash genocide and apartheid” amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a strongly worded statement, the group urged Silverbird to withdraw from hosting the event and demanded that sponsors, including Kempinski Hotel, SAF STLAmandi Foundation, Rolider, Sienna Services, EON, and the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMac), immediately end 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
Campaigners say hosting the festival amounts to complicity in Israel’s alleged crimes against humanity, stressing that Ghana’s history of anti-imperialist struggle and solidarity with liberation movements is at stake.
“Any platform for apartheid, genocide, and the mass killing of Palestinian civilians is complicity in crimes against humanity,” the coalition stated. “History will hold accountable those who side with apartheid and occupation.”
The group condemned what it described as “breathtaking hypocrisy,” noting that Silverbird had only recently screened Comrade Tambo’s London Recruits, an anti-apartheid film, on September 7—yet now plans to host what they call the “culture of today’s worst apartheid state.”
Prominent Ghanaians Join the Call
The campaign has attracted support from leading voices such as veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr, former CHRAJ Commissioner Justice Emile Short, filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo, academics Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, and Economic Fighters League leader Ernesto Yeboah, among others.
Signatories span trade unions, student bodies, feminist groups, and human rights organisations, underscoring the breadth of public opposition.
“Across Africa, people are proud to stand against Israel’s racist, apartheid regime, and global solidarity with Palestine is stronger than ever,” the statement added.
Plans for Protest and Boycotts
The coalition announced it will picket Silverbird Cinema daily throughout the festival and warned of boycotts against all sponsors and partners who remain engaged.
“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 coalition also criticised UniMac’s involvement, calling it a “disgraceful abuse of public trust.” They urged Vice Chancellor Prof. Eric Opoku-Mensah to withdraw support, stressing the irony of backing such an event while educational and cultural institutions in Gaza are under systematic attack.
“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 urging Ghanaians and international allies to take three actions:
- Boycott sponsors and partners of the festival.
- Join peaceful pickets at Silverbird Cinema during the event.
- Amplify solidarity with Palestine through social and traditional media.
The coalition ended with a clear message:
“Cancel this festival. Withdraw your sponsorship. The people are watching. History will judge.”