We have already reported on the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s decision to return a grant from the Israeli Embassy.

To coincide with the beginning of the Festival, several film industry figures have come together to support the Israeli filmmakers and criticise the Festival organisers. Their letter is below:

Sir, The Edinburgh International Film Festival has always been a highlight of the British creative calendar. This year, with so many people talking about a new golden age of British cinema, there is even greater excitement around the festival.

Film is a powerful medium that, properly used, can bring people together and create understanding; at its best it can break down barriers and challenge the most entrenched of opinions. Film- makers have often shown courage and insight, and have given voices and an audience to those who need it most. Notable examples include a number of recent Arab, Palestinian and indeed Israeli productions that deal with various aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These include Free Zone in 2005, Paradise Now by Hani Abu Asad also in 2005, Lemon Tree in 2007 and Waltz with Bashir in 2008. It will surprise many to know that these films were all enabled by grants from the Israeli Government’s Film Fund.

For all of us who wholeheartedly support a two-state solution and moves towards peace in the Middle East for Israelis and Palestinians alike, this example of a government funding art that challenges and examines difficult issues within its own society is deemed admirable.

Given the record of the Israeli Film Fund, we were, therefore, surprised by the ill-judged action of the festival’s organisers – who, at the instigation of Ken Loach, an unquestionably distinguished director, returned a grant made to the festival by the Israeli Embassy to enable an Israeli director to participate. Mr Loach has been a longstanding supporter of boycotting Israel. Yet, if you look at the record of the Israeli Film Fund, it surely proves the value of an uncensored voice in a democratic society.

We are pleased that Tali Shalom Ezer will be able to attend the Edinburgh Festival after all, and that the organising committee has acknowledged its mistake in stating that Mr Loach spoke on behalf of the film community (which clearly he did not). Divisive cultural boycotts like this make loud statements but help no one.

Mark Batey – Film Distributors Association
Josh Berger – Warner Brothers UK
Neil Blair – the Christopher Little Literary Agency
Simon Chinn – Red Box Films
John Heyman – World Films
Nicholas Hytner – National Theatre
Michael Kuhn
Andrew Orr – Independent film Company
Peter Rhodes OBE
Rick Senat
Gary Sinyor
Janet Suzman
David Tyler – Pozzitive Television