O Cinema dodged eviction, but resolution renews censorship fears
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The Miami Beach City Commission and supporters of O Cinema pose for a group photo after a resolution evicting the theater was withdrawn. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios
Miami Beach commissioners on Wednesday are expected to discuss a measure aimed at influencing programming at indie theater O Cinema.
The big picture: The discussion comes a little more than one month after the theater survived eviction over its decision to screen "No Other Land."
- The Oscar-winning film documents the Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank for military training grounds, before the current conflict in Gaza.
- The resolution, proposed by Mayor Steven Meiner, calls for the theater to program films that "highlight a fair and balanced viewpoint" of the Israel-Hamas war and to ensure the "viewpoint of Jewish people and the state of Israel is fully and accurately presented."
Why it matters: Critics argue the move undermines the theater's freedom of expression and causes a chilling effect on it and other art spaces.
Between the lines: The commission has previously been accused of silencing pro-Palestinian voices, including barring protesters from obstructing streets or sidewalks in response to demonstrations in the city.
Catch up quick: Last month, Meiner's attempt to evict the cinema — which operates in a city-owned facility — and pull about $40,000 in city grants sparked international outrage.
- Supporters of O Cinema packed a commission meeting, calling the proposals an attempt to control the theater and a violation of free speech.
- Commissioners who disagreed with Meiner shared his concerns about the dangers of antisemitism but said the government should not direct content decisions.
What they're saying: "The community has made it overwhelmingly clear that they do not want government influence in the types of films O Cinema shows," said Kareem Tabsch, the cinema's co-founder, in a statement to Axios.
- The proposal "poses real concerns of government overreach into the independence of cultural organizations like O Cinema," he said.
Daniel Tilley, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, said even after Meiner backed off the eviction threat, the "bell cannot be unrung."
- Though the current resolution seeks to "encourage, not dictate" programming decisions, "the chill to O Cinema and other cultural institutions who dare to display or express disfavored viewpoints remains."
The other side: Meiner did not respond to Axios' request for comment Tuesday, but he previously called the film a "one-sided propaganda attack" on the Jewish people.
- He also cautioned against presenting narratives that could pose a safety issue for Jews.