Mubi is currently facing intense scrutiny as a growing number of filmmakers have joined a letter criticizing the company for its association with investor Sequoia Capital, which has ties to the Israeli military. High-profile directors Ari Folman, known for “Waltz with Bashir,” and Nadav Lapid of “Ahed’s Knee” fame, have added their names to the list alongside others, expressing concern over the ethical implications of this partnership.
The Growing List of Signatories
As of now, the letter criticizing Mubi has amassed 63 signatures, nearly doubling since its initial release. The document calls on the arthouse distributor to reconsider its relationship with Sequoia Capital, labeling the firm’s involvement as “genocide profiteering.” This list of signatories includes notable names such as Radu Jude, Aki Kaurismäki, and Miguel Gomes, who have voiced strong disapproval of Mubi’s financial ties.
Controversy Over Sequoia Capital’s Investments
The backlash began shortly after it was revealed that Mubi secured a $100 million investment from Sequoia Capital. The venture capital firm, known for its investments in defense-tech startups like Kela, which was founded by veterans of Israeli intelligence units, has been criticized for its connections to the Israeli military. Kela is known for developing a battlefield operating system that integrates AI and commercial technology, further fueling the controversy.
Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire has also been a focal point of criticism due to social media posts deemed Islamophobic, prompting over 1,000 tech workers to call for his reprimand.
Industry Response and Demands for Action
Filmmakers who signed the letter argue that Mubi’s connection with Sequoia represents a compromise between commercial growth and ethical responsibility. According to the letter, “Mubi’s financial growth as a company is now explicitly tied to the genocide in Gaza, which implicates all of us that work with Mubi.”
The letter further outlines demands influenced by Film Workers for Palestine, urging Mubi to publicly condemn Sequoia Capital, remove Sequoia’s Andrew Reed from its board, and adopt an ethical policy for future investments in alignment with guidelines from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI).
Impact on Mubi’s Partnerships
The controversy has already impacted Mubi’s collaborations worldwide. Centers such as Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts and Mexico City’s Cineteca Nacional have severed ties, opting out of Mubi Fest. The Valdivia Film Festival in Chile also decided against screening films distributed by Mubi, underscoring the widespread industry disapproval.
Mubi responded to the initial backlash with a statement asserting that the views of individual investors do not represent the company’s stance, although it refrained from commenting directly on the letter.
As the pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how Mubi will navigate the challenge of aligning its business interests with the values of the creative community it serves.
