By nfm

Copyright naagyeifmonline

A group of around 400 people and organisations have demanded that the Israeli Film Festival, which is set to take place at Silverbird Cinema in Accra Mall from today, Tuesday, September 16–20, 2025, be immediately cancelled.
In light of the existing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the coalition—which consists of well-known public figures, scholars, artists, activists, and faith-based organizations—argues that the event is an attempt to “whitewash genocide and apartheid.”

The group demanded in a strongly worded statement that Silverbird Cinema withdraw from hosting the festival and that all sponsors, including the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMac), Rolider, Sienna Services, AEON, Kempinski Hotel, and SAF STLAmandi Foundation, immediately withdraw their support.

“We cannot let art and culture to be used as a cover for the genocide of the Palestinian people. “Today, we must stand with Palestine, as Ghana has always stood with the oppressed,” the statement said.

Complaints of Collusion

The festival’s hosting, according to the protesters, is equivalent to condoning Israel’s alleged crimes against humanity. They contend that there is a stake in Ghana’s longstanding anti-imperialist heritage and solidarity with international liberation movements.
In addition to warning that “history will hold accountable those who side with apartheid and occupation,” the group said that “any platform for apartheid, genocide, and the mass killing of Palestinian civilians is complicity in crimes against humanity.”

The group denounced the “breathtaking hypocrisy,” citing Silverbird’s previous screening of Comrade Tambo’s anti-apartheid film London Recruits on September 7 and its current hosting of what they described as the “culture of today’s worst apartheid state.”

Leading Ghanaians Raise Their Voices

Some of Ghana’s most powerful people have backed the movement, including former CHRAJ Commissioner Justice Emile Short, veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jr., filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo, academics Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo and Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, and Ernesto Yeboah, the leader of the Economic Fighters’ League.

The wide range of signatories—including feminist organisations, student networks, trade unions, and human rights organizations—indicates how deeply the public is concerned.

“Global solidarity with Palestine is stronger than ever, and people throughout Africa are proud to stand against Israel’s racist, apartheid regime,” the statement read.

Demand Public Protest

The coalition warned of boycotts against all sponsors and partners who continue to be affiliated with the event, and they announced intentions to picket Silverbird Cinema during the festival dates as part of their protest.
We will picket Silverbird in large numbers starting on September 16. They will encounter unrelenting public opposition if they continue. For those who support apartheid and genocide, “business as usual” cannot continue,” the group said.

Additionally, the campaigners denounced UniMac’s participation as a “disgraceful abuse of public trust.” In light of the deliberate destruction of educational and cultural institutions in Gaza, they urged Vice Chancellor Prof. Eric Opoku-Mensah to overturn what they considered a dishonourable decision.

The Ghanaians provide funding for UniMac, a state university. The coalition highlighted that its endorsement of this festival is a heinous betrayal of public confidence.

Next Actions

Ghanaians and their foreign allies are being urged by the movement to take three crucial steps:

1.Boycott the festival’s partners and sponsors.

2.During the festival days, participate in nonviolent picketing at Silverbird Cinema.
3.Utilize both traditional and social media to promote solidarity with Palestine.

The coalition’s parting message was unambiguous:

“Cancel the celebration. Take your sponsorship off the table. People are observing. History will decide.