Hamilton theatre cancels film critical of Israel, board says it's the wrong time to 'court controversy'

The board of directors at a local Hamilton cinema has abruptly cancelled the showing of a film critical of Israel, after hearing concerns from some members of the local Jewish community. 

The screening of the film, co-directed by two U.S.-based Jewish filmmakers, had attracted "great general interest" and was nearly sold out, according to the organizer of the event, the Hamilton chapter of Independent Jewish Voices. 

The documentary Israelism was slated to play on Dec. 6 at The Westdale, and included an in-person panel afterwards with one of the film's directors. 

About 200 people were expected to attend, said The Westdale's executive director Alysha Main.

Main told CBC Hamilton in recent weeks, theatre staff had received about a dozen almost-identical emails from people who wanted the event cancelled. 

Main said The Westdale had planned to hire security — a common practice when showing controversial films about sensitive topics. 

Main said she had no involvement with the board's decision Tuesday, and doesn't agree with it.

"My vision for the theatre is to be a welcoming space where people can tell their stories and have meaningful discussions on events and issues that impact our community," Main said. 

Board chair Fred Fuchs said the decision to cancel the event came after consulting with community groups, such as the Hamilton Jewish Foundation. The board concluded that with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, it was the wrong time to "court controversy." 

"It almost doesn't matter what the film was about," Fuchs said. "The problem is so complex, if they show one film and one point of view, it's not appropriate." 

Fuchs said they wouldn't have aired a pro-Israeli film either. 

Israelism was released in February, co-directed by Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen. It follows two American Jews raised to "unconditionally love" Israel but who are confronted with "the brutal way Israel treats Palestinians," according to the film's description.

"Israelism uniquely explores how Jewish attitudes toward Israel are changing dramatically, with massive consequences for the region and Judaism itself," it says.

The Westdale said it scheduled the screening in August — before Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages, dozens of which have been released in recent days.