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In a shocking affront to artistic freedom and moral responsibility, the Exeter International Dance Film Festival (EDIFF) has withdrawn “RAVE,” a dance film by Israeli choreographer Dor Eldar, from its lineup.
This poignant two-and-a-half-minute piece, inspired by the horrors of the Nova music festival massacre on October 7, was removed due to “pressure from sponsors and the artistic community.” The festival cited the film’s subject as “controversial and contentious,” a claim that veils blatant antisemitism and hypocrisy.
Eldar, who described his experience as a “great shock,” stated, “I never felt out of place… until this moment.”
The film, which portrays the tragic events of October 7 with raw emotional clarity, was intended to honor the victims of the Nova festival massacre, where hundreds of young people were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists.
By censoring this work, EDIFF not only undermines its stated mission of showcasing diverse artistic voices but also perpetuates the silencing of Jewish perspectives.
The decision to remove “RAVE” under the guise of neutrality sends a chilling message: honoring the victims of Jewish suffering is too controversial for public acknowledgment. Would the festival have taken similar steps if the piece addressed another marginalized community? This moral double standard reflects the pervasive and systemic bias against Israel and the Jewish people.
Join us in urging EDIFF to reverse its decision and reinstate “RAVE” in their program.
Send an email to Exeter Dance Executives and sponsors at info@ediff.co.uk:
SAMPLE EMAIL
Subject Line: Urgent Concern Regarding RELC 384 – Organizing for Divestment
cc:
Christians United for Israel
Press
Worldwide Leaders
Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement
Coralive
To Exeter Dance Executives and sponsors,
I am writing to express disappointment and outrage over your decision to remove the Israeli dance film RAVE. This action betrays principles of artistic freedom and inclusivity, politicizing your festival under the guise of neutrality. Would you have yielded if viewers objected to depictions of other forms of terror or racism? This disproportionate discrimination against the Jewish community reflects systemic bias.
Art exists to amplify the voiceless and illuminate crucial stories. “RAVE” portrays the Nova festival massacre, where young civilians celebrating life were brutally murdered. By deeming this portrayal “controversial,” you dehumanize the victims and dismiss recent trauma faced by the Jewish community. This is a humanitarian issue, not a political one, and rejecting this film undermines your festival’s mission.
If viewers are unsettled by the film’s depiction of atrocities, they should confront the discomfort of real events. Depictions like the lifeless bodies of victims reflect documented horrors, such as Shani Louk’s tragic murder and exploitation. By yielding to pressure, EDIFF aligns with complicit silence, betraying the very values it claims to uphold.
I urge you to acknowledge this error, apologize to Dor Eldar, and recommit to showcasing “RAVE” in your next festival. Take steps to ensure EDIFF becomes a platform for diverse perspectives, not a tool for suppression. Art must transcend politics, prejudice, and fear. Reversing this decision can restore your festival’s integrity and commitment to human creativity.
Signed,
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