Miami Beach’s O Cinema has taken a stand against the city government after being told to cancel screenings of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” which depicts the struggles of a Palestinian village under Israeli occupation. The cinema, co-founded by filmmaker Kareem Tabsch, decided to screen the film despite a threat from Mayor Steven Meiner, who warned that failure to comply would result in termination of their lease and withdrawal of $40,000 in grant money.
Tabsch’s patrons were eager to see “No Other Land,” with every single showing sold out. The cinema’s CEO, Vivian Marthell, stated that the decision to screen the film was not a declaration of political alignment, but rather a commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives.
The mayor’s resolution will come up for a vote on Wednesday, but O Cinema is hopeful for an amicable solution. Tabsch expressed his surprise at the local government’s reaction, stating that he never expected censorship in such a vibrant cultural community. He emphasized the importance of artistic freedom and the power of films to evoke strong emotions.
Despite the controversy, O Cinema has received widespread support from the community, with many expressing gratitude for showing the film. The incident highlights the tension between free expression and local government oversight, but it also underscores the resilience of independent cinemas like O Cinema in standing up for their artistic values.
Source: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/o-cinema-miami-beach-florida-no-other-land-censorship-palestine