AWARD-WINNING filmmaker Ken Loach has signed an open letter calling for the Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) to cut any ties with Israeli-linked companies.
The letter, drafted last week by Unite Hospitality workers, urges the venue to “demonstrate a stance that mirrors” its progressive values.
The letter has also been signed by the likes of Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur and Still Game actor Gavin Mitchell.
The theatre has stated that the letter is under review by the Glasgow Film Board, and that they are dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering space, as per their “vision and mission”.
Last week, Unite Hospitality initiated an open letter calling for GFT to “stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and all affected by Israeli aggression”.
This includes removing Barclays adverts from screenings and ceasing the sales of Coca-Cola in their bar.
Barclays has been recognised as a “priority target” of the Palestinian boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement due to its alleged investments in companies that supply the Israeli-army.
Coca-Cola is also a target due to alleged large contributions to Israel during the conflict, of which a ceasefire was called earlier this year.
Filmmaker Ken Loach, two-time winner of the Palme d’Or whose films have been screened at the GFT for decades, has now added his name to the letter.
Loach has been continually vocal about the Palestine Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and has previously spoken out against the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival.
The open letter calling on GFT to commit to BDS and PACBI received over 1,000 signatures in just two days, with many deeming it necessary for the venue to take up the requests due to its stance on inclusivity and progressive ideals.
Community group, Art Workers for Palestine Scotland has collated some comments from the letter, which have remained anonymous.
One signatory said: “GFT is a vital part of life in Glasgow. Solidarity with Palestine is even more vital and I believe GFT have the platform to take a strong stance on this, leading others down the same route”.
Another commented: “The GFT has already shown the power of Palestinian film through its screenings.
“But these films exist because of Palestinian voices and bodies which are being systematically destroyed as you read this.
“Engaging in the BDS movement is a material way the GFT can further their support for Palestinians and for Palestinian art in the face of these ongoing atrocities which seek to destroy them both, and build towards a liberated film space.”
Glasgow Film Theatre maintains: “The letter from Art Workers For Palestine has been forwarded to the Glasgow Film Board who will review it through our internal procedures.
“Glasgow Film remains committed to our Vision and Mission:
“Our vision for Glasgow Film is an inclusive, collaborative space where audiences and communities can nurture their passion for cinema and film and be empowered through participation in our programmes.
“Everyone is welcome and everyone is included. This is ‘Cinema For All’.
“Glasgow Film’s charitable mission is to provide ‘Cinema For All’. We exist to celebrate the magic of film and nurture excellent independent cinema from across the globe.
“To do this we provide high-quality programmes of curated screenings, events and industry opportunities; we empower our communities to participate through education and outreach initiatives; and we develop sector leading equalities initiatives to ensure cinema is accessible, safe and welcoming for the widest possible audience.”
