Ghanaians Demand Israeli Film Festival Cancellation Over Gaza Genocide

Nearly 400 Ghanaians are demanding the cancellation of the Israeli Film Festival at Silverbird Cinema (image source)

A coalition of nearly 400 Ghanaian activists, academics, artists, and civil society organisations has demanded the immediate cancellation of the Israeli Film Festival underway at Silverbird Cinema in Accra Mall, citing Israel’s alleged genocide in Gaza and accusing the event of “whitewashing apartheid through art.”

The festival, which opened on 16 September and is scheduled to run until 20 September, has triggered widespread outrage. Protesters have vowed to picket the venue daily, warning that hosting the event amid ongoing humanitarian atrocities in Palestine amounts to complicity in crimes against humanity.

“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.”— Coalition statement

Sponsors and Institutions Targeted

The coalition has called on all sponsors—including Kempinski Hotel, SAF STL Amandi Foundation, Rolider, Sienna Services, EON, and the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMac)—to withdraw their support. Campaigners warn that failure to disengage will trigger sustained boycotts and reputational damage.

UniMac’s involvement has drawn particular criticism, with activists calling it “a disgraceful abuse of public trust,” especially given the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza.

“UniMac is a state university funded by the Ghanaian people. Its support for this festival is a terrible abuse of public trust.”— Coalition statement

Public Figures Join the Campaign

The movement has drawn support from respected Ghanaian figures, including veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr, former CHRAJ Commissioner Justice Emile Short, filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo, and academics Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo and Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo

High-profile activists Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Ernesto Yeboah of the Economic Fighters League have also endorsed the campaign. Solidarity has extended beyond Ghana, with backing from BDS Ghana, the Socialist Movement of Ghana, and South Africa’s Free Palestine Movement.

Cultural and Political Clash

Protesters accuse Silverbird Cinema of hypocrisy, pointing out that it recently hosted Comrade Tambo’s London Recruits, an anti-apartheid film, only to now provide a platform for what they describe as “the culture of today’s worst apartheid state.”

“Any platform for apartheid, genocide, and the mass killing of Palestinian civilians is complicity in crimes against humanity.”— Coalition statement

What Comes Next

Demonstrations are expected to intensify over the weekend, with organisers pledging “relentless public resistance” if the festival continues. The coalition has urged both Ghanaians and international allies to boycott affiliated institutions and amplify pro-Palestinian solidarity.

The Israeli embassy has not issued a public response, while Silverbird Cinema has yet to comment on the growing backlash.

References

• MyJoyOnline – “Ghanaians unite to demand cancellation of Israeli Film Festival,” Sept 2025.

• West Africa Weekly – “Ghanaians demand cancellation of Israeli Film Festival,” Sept 2025.

• The Herald Ghana – “Ghanaians launch campaign to cancel Israeli Film Festival,” Sept 2025.