Israeli director Nadav Lapid, who is critical of Israel’s leadership and has lived in France since 2021, withdraws from planned participation in the Marseille International Film Festival after pro-Palestinian activists raised objections to his attendance, according to multiple outlets. Breitbart reports that anti-Israel activists pressured him to drop plans to attend, framing the situation as a cultural boycott. The Washington Times similarly reports that Lapid withdraws after pro-Palestinian filmmakers threatened to pull their films if he participated.
Following his withdrawal, Natalie Portman adds her support to Lapid. Both sources say Portman is among hundreds of film-industry figures who sign an open letter condemning what they describe as a cultural boycott or intimidation campaign that prevents Lapid from appearing. The Washington Times characterizes the letter as condemning the boycott, and notes that Lapid’s public criticism includes views of Israel’s conduct in the war against Hamas. Breitbart also highlights Lapid’s previous comments and the support he receives from prominent figures in response to his removal from the festival.
