Miami Beach City officials withdrew a resolution that would have terminated the lease agreement with O Cinema after a screening of an Oscar-winning documentary about Palestinian and Israeli activists. The decision came despite heated debate over censorship and free speech. Critics accused the city of attempting to silence controversial content, while supporters argued that public funding should not involve censoring art.
The controversy began when Mayor Steven Meiner described the documentary as “one-sided propaganda” that could spread antisemitism. O Cinema’s management disputed this characterization, arguing that the film aimed to challenge and foster discourse. Critics countered that punishing a cultural institution for screening such content contradicts Jewish values of open dialogue and mutual understanding.
The city commission ultimately deferred a second resolution urging O Cinema to screen only “fair and balanced” films on the Israel-Hamas war, citing concerns about violating free speech rights. The issue remains unresolved, with no date set for reconsideration.
Source: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/03/19/miami-beachs-o-cinema-keeps-lease-as-mayor-withdraws-termination-resolution