Paul Mescal and Spike Lee show support for people of Gaza
Aftersun star Paul Mescal and legendary director Spike Lee are among the latest Hollywood figures to support the Cinema for Gaza auction.
The auction, which kicked off on April 2nd and is set to conclude on April 12th, has already raised more than £90,000 to help those affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In their bid to acquire funds for the humanitarian cause, they are asking notable stars in the movie industry to donate goods to be sold off with the proceeds heading to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).
Among the new additions to the auction are a framed Malcom X poster, signed by Lee, a Mescal-signed Aftersun poster, a personalised video message courtesy of Olivia Colman and also the opportunity to have a virtual beer on Zoom with Tessa Thompson.
Additionally, Joachim Trier has gifted a signed Worst Person in the World poster and Susan Sarandon will be available to chat to one lucky fan over Zoom about her immense filmography. Sarandon is also auctioning off a signed Rocky Horror Picture Show tee. Meanwhile, Normal People creator Lenny Abrahamson is set to have a coffee in Dublin with one person.
The Zone of Interest director Jonathan Glazer, who previously donated seven signed posters of his Oscar-winning movie, has donated further to the Cinema For Gaza auction. Teaming up with producer James Wilson, the duo have gifted a signed screenplay book of Under The Skin, along with framed stills and posters.
The Cinema for Gaza auction say on their website: “MAP works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees. They provide immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also developing local capacity and skills to ensure the long-term development of the Palestinian healthcare system. They are currently responding to the emergency in Gaza.”
Glazer was criticised following the Academy Awards when he addressed the ongoing conflict and told the audience: “Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation that has led to conflict for so many innocent people.”
He continued: “Whether the victims of October 7th or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all of the victims of this dehumanisation, how do we resist?”
These comments sparked a backlash with over 1,000 creatives from the Jewish community teaming up to sign an open letter denouncing his speech, claiming it helped enhance “growing anti-Jewish hatred around the world”.
However, Glazer has also been on the receiving end of an outpouring of love. Last week, Joaquin Phoenix, Joel Coen and Chloe Fineman were among over 150 Jewish creatives to sign an open letter in support of the British director.
The statement reads: “We are Jewish artists, filmmakers, writers and creative professionals who support Jonathan Glazer’s statement from the 2024 Oscars. We were alarmed to see some of our colleagues in the industry mischaracterize and denounce his remarks.”
For more information on the Cinema For Gaza auction, visit here.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.