On October 13th and October 14th, Netflix decided to delete at least 19 films by Palestinian filmmakers or about Palestinian stories from its platform. Previously, Netflix launched “Palestinian Stories,” a Netflix collection of 32 films that would “showcase the depth and diversity of the Palestinian experience, exploring people’s lives, dreams, families, friendships, and love.” Now, the “Palestinian Stories” Netflix page only shows one film. Storytelling is a crucial aspect of keeping Palestinian history alive — Netflix is literally erasing Palestinians’ stories and perspectives from popular culture.
Not only is Netflix erasing Palestinian stories — they're rewriting them! A new wave of outrage and calls to boycott have been prompted by Netflix's new film "Mary" a reimagining of the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus who is played by Israeli actress Noa Cohen alongside a supporting cast of Israeli actors including Ori Pfeffer, Mili Avital, Keren Tzur, and Hilla Vidor. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Palestine, and casting Israeli actors erases the Palestinian heritage tied to the historical and cultural context of the story.
We've launched a global campaign to #BoycottNetflix, and we’re calling on you to participate until Netflix reinstates the Palestinian films removed from its platform!
Sign the petition below demanding Netflix reinstate the Palestinian films it deleted. Grab our downloadable petition and flier and deliver this message to farmer's markets, social gatherings, any event near you!
Then, call Netflix using this script to cancel your subscription and/or let them know you're joining the call to #BoycottNetflix! It's important to call to cancel your subscription instead of doing it online to apply the maximum amount of pressure. Email a photo confirming your canceled subscription to [email protected] for it to be added to a collage with others who took the action!
Also, check out our list of Palestine media we recommend and gather your friends for a watch party!
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by Netflix’s decision to delete at least 19 films by Palestinian filmmakers or about Palestinian stories from its platform on October 13th and October 14th of this week. Three years ago, Netflix announced the launch of “Palestinian Stories,” a Netflix collection of 32 films that would “showcase the depth and diversity of the Palestinian experience, exploring people’s lives, dreams, families, friendships, and love.” In the U.S., the “Palestinian Stories” Netflix page now shows only one film that is available for viewing — literally erasing Palestinians’ stories and perspectives from popular culture.
We urge you to explain your decision and to reinstate every film by or about Palestinians that Netflix has deleted. Netflix’s deletion of nearly its entire catalog of Palestinian films will further marginalize Palestinian voices at a time when over two million Palestinians in Gaza are being subjected to genocide by Israel. The systemic erasure of Palestinian voices prevents broader audiences from understanding the reality of Israel’s brutal occupation, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and now, genocide of Palestinians.
For the past year, Israel has been perpetrating a genocide in Gaza, murdering over 200,000 people, according to a piece published in the British medical journal Lancet. Given this horrifying reality, Netflix should be promoting — not deleting — Palestinian stories.
We urge you to reinstate the Palestinian films that were deleted from Netflix’s site.
Sincerely,