Miami Beach’s mayor, Steven Meiner, is proposing to terminate the lease agreement with O Cinema, an independent film theater in South Beach, after it screened a documentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The mayor criticized the film, “No Other Land,” as “antisemitic propaganda” and called for its cancellation despite pressure from the theater’s CEO, Vivian Marthell.
O Cinema showed several screenings of the film before reversing course and canceling only one screening, citing concerns about antisemitic rhetoric. However, Meiner is now introducing legislation to terminate the lease agreement and cut off city funding.
The documentary has won several international prizes, including an Academy Award, but it has also been shrouded in controversy. Israeli officials have condemned the film for distorting Israel’s image, while Palestinians say it uplifts their spirits.
Commissioners David Suarez and Kristen Rosen Gonzalez disagreed with Meiner’s proposal, arguing that canceling funding and ending the lease would lead to costly lawsuits. Instead, they suggested showing another film, “Screams Before Silence,” which tells the story of Israeli women attacked by Hamas.
The city commissioners will vote on Meiner’s proposed legislation next Wednesday.
Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article301920089.html