On 13 and 14 October 2024, Netflix quietly removed most Palestinian films from its platform, effectively ending a three-year licensing agreement that had showcased these titles globally. The “Palestinian Stories” collection, launched in 2021, originally included over 30 films exploring Palestinian life, history, and resilience, providing a unique platform for Arab filmmakers to reach a broad audience.
Now, only two of these films remain accessible on Netflix, with significant titles like Divine Intervention by Elia Suleiman and Salt of This Sea by Annemarie Jacir no longer available, sparking backlash from viewers and advocacy groups.
Cultural Impact and Representation Concerns
The “Palestinian Stories” collection offered audiences a glimpse into Palestinian culture, grappling with themes of displacement, identity, and resistance—topics rarely featured in mainstream media. Critics argue that removing these films diminishes Palestinian representation and deprives viewers of the opportunity to connect with Palestinian narratives through film.
Advocacy groups, including Freedom Forward, have called on Netflix to renew its licensing agreement, emphasizing that such collections are essential for promoting cultural understanding and empathy across borders.
Netflix’s Response
According to statements provided to Deadline, Netflix explained that the original licensing agreements for these films, managed by Dubai-based Front Row Filmed Entertainment, were set for a three-year term beginning in 2021 and have now expired.
In response to the criticism, Netflix stated its ongoing commitment to offering a diverse range of content but has not indicated plans to relicense the films. The company’s statement emphasized that it regularly invests in content that celebrates voices from all around the world.
The Launch and Vision of “Palestinian Stories”
Introduced in October 2021, the “Palestinian Stories” collection was Netflix’s effort to amplify voices from the Arab world, featuring films that highlighted the creative contributions of Palestinian filmmakers.
The collection was intended to honor the rich and varied narratives within the Palestinian experience, offering a platform for stories from the Arab film industry. At the time, Netflix described the initiative as a tribute to the creativity and passion of Arab filmmakers, aiming to give audiences around the world a deeper connection to diverse perspectives from the region.
Calls for Reinstatement and Future Challenges
Advocacy groups and supporters of Palestinian cinema have urged Netflix to reconsider its decision, arguing that removing these films limits access to essential cultural stories. The expiration of the “Palestinian Stories” collection underscores a broader challenge faced by filmmakers and distributors in maintaining global visibility for films from underrepresented regions.
As more films disappear from mainstream streaming platforms, questions about the prioritization of certain narratives arise, and pressure grows on industry leaders like Netflix to address demands for diverse and inclusive content.
In the wake of this decision, advocates emphasize the importance of preserving a broad array of perspectives, especially those often overlooked in global media, to ensure a balanced representation of world cultures and histories.
Watch a video here:
@codepinkalert This month, @Netflix quietly erased at least 19 films that were part of “Palestine Stories,” leaving just one film. With its massive resources, Netflix can—and should—renew these films for the world to hear. Demand they bring back Palestine Stories. Sign the petition.: codepink dot org slash netflix2024 (on our profile)
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