اتهامات لنتفليكس بعد حذفها أفلاما فلسطينية والمنصة الأميركية ترد

Netflix Removes Palestinian Films, Facing Backlash

Controversial Removal Sparks Debate

The streaming giant Netflix has faced criticism from human rights groups after removing 19 films from its "Palestinian Stories" collection. This collection was launched in October 2021 and featured a curated selection of Palestinian cinema. The removal of the films, according to Netflix, was due to the expiration of licensing agreements. However, some organizations have accused the platform of deliberately removing the films, highlighting the lack of clarity in the explanation provided.

Netflix's Explanation and Similar Practices

Netflix clarified in a statement that the 32 films in the collection were initially intended to be available for a period of three years, and that most of them would be removed by the end of the month due to expiring licensing agreements. The platform emphasized that this is a standard practice for content licensing and cited examples like the removal of "Friends" in the United States and "Mr. Robot" in certain Arab countries.

Despite the removals, Netflix maintains that their platform continues to showcase content from Palestinian creators. This argument has been met with skepticism by critics who point to the disproportionate removal of Palestinian films compared to other content.

Concerns from Human Rights Organizations

The organization "Freedom Forward" expressed concerns on its website, noting that only one film remains available on the "Palestinian Stories" page. They criticize Netflix for removing the majority of its Palestinian films without offering a clear explanation, despite widespread protests on social media.

The removed films included notable works such as "Giraffada" by director Rani Masalha, "Mars at Sunrise" directed by Jessica Habibi, and "Chronicle of a Disappearance" by director Elia Suleiman. However, the documentary "Ibrahim - Until Further Notice" directed by Lina Abdel-Rahim remains accessible within the collection.

Several human rights organizations, including the Arab American Action Network, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR),and the National Network for Arab American Communities, have released statements supporting "Freedom Forward's" stance on the matter.

"Palestinian Stories" Collection: A Spotlight on Palestinian Cinema

The "Palestinian Stories" collection was launched on October 14, 2021, showcasing 32 films produced by Palestinian directors or telling Palestinian stories. The collection featured award-winning works, including "A Man Returned" by director Mahdi Fleifel, "Like 20 Impossibles" by director Anne-Marie Jasser, and "The Crossing" by director Mai Masri.

The removal of the Palestinian films from Netflix has sparked a broader conversation about the representation of Palestinian voices and perspectives in mainstream media and streaming services. The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of access to diverse content and the need for transparency in content licensing practices.