Movie Director Jim Jarmusch Expresses Disappointment and Unease over Mubi Distribution Company's Connection to Israeli Military
In the heart of the Venice Film Festival, a controversy has arisen surrounding Mubi, an arthouse distributor, and its connections to the Israeli military.
The centre of the storm is Mubi's CEO, Efe Çakarel, who has been facing backlash due to a reported investment in the Israeli military industry. This investment has been a topic of concern for many, including outspoken pro-Palestine activist Indya Moore.
Moore, an actress set to star in the upcoming Mubi film Father Mother Sister Brother, directed by Jim Jarmusch, expressed her discomfort with the ties between Mubi and the Israeli military during the festival.
Jarmusch, too, addressed the issue during the press conference, expressing his disappointment and disconcertion with Mubi's relationship with the Israeli military. The acclaimed filmmaker suggested that any journalist asking about the controversy should also reach out to Mubi for a response.
Father Mother Sister Brother, a triptych film featuring three stories concerning the relationships between adult children, their parents, and each other, is set to have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Aug. 30. The film, which stars an ensemble cast including Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Sarah Greene, Indya Moore, Luka Sabbat, and Françoise Lebrun, will be released by Mubi in the U.S. on Dec. 24.
The controversy has not been limited to Jarmusch. A host of filmmakers linked with Mubi have signed a letter criticising the company amid growing backlash. Notably, this is not the first time Moore has participated in a protest related to this issue, as she previously took part in a similar protest at the Sundance Film Festival.
The conflict in Gaza has been a prominent topic of conversation at the Venice Film Festival, and a pro-Palestinian protest drew more than 10,000 people to the streets on the Lido. The protest was a mix of young and old, students, unionists, activists, and cultural figures, and it included participants from across the region and Europe.
Despite the controversy, Mubi secured a $100 million investment from Sequoia Capital this year, which is reportedly a key investor in Israeli defense-tech startup Kela. The CEO of Mubi, Efe Cakarel, shared a statement condemning the conflict in Gaza and expressing support for the rights of Palestinians.
Jarmusch, who has a good relationship with Mubi's chief content officer, Jason Ropell, has been vocal about his concerns. However, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the future of Mubi and its relationships in the industry.
As the Venice Film Festival continues, the spotlight remains on Mubi and the controversy surrounding its ties to the Israeli military. The teaser for Father Mother Sister Brother has been released on YouTube, offering a glimpse into the highly anticipated film, but the controversy threatens to overshadow its debut. Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Saint Laurent, is credited as the artistic director for the film, further adding to the intrigue. As the festival unfolds, the future of Mubi and its relationships in the industry remain uncertain.
