5/12/14

Note from the producers: We made American Revolutionary to explore the life and work of a philosopher and activist whose story we want to share with audiences everywhere. Until about three days ago, we were unaware that playing in the festival would be an issue for the participants of the film. We respect their position and regret the discomfort this has caused them. We are sharing their statement here.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, and support their call for cultural and academic boycott of Israel.

As people featured in the film American Revolutionary: the Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, we were shocked to find the film slated to be screened at the DocAviv festival in Israel on May 13th and 15th. This was scheduled without our knowledge.

We immediately took action to have the film withdrawn from the festival. The festival organizers and film producers informed us that this was not possible and they would move forward with the screening, over our objections.

This film uplifts the life work and legacy of Grace Lee Boggs. She has explicitly stated her support of the boycott and believes this screening is in direct contradiction to her legacy and ongoing work as a revolutionary.

We will pursue opportunities for this film and the ideas within it to be made available in Palestine in a way that supports the movement and will post our response as soon as possible.

Grace Lee Boggs

and

William Ayers

Richard Feldman


Danny Glover

Shea Howell

Invincible

Angela Jones

Scott Kurashige

Jenny Lee

Julia Putnam

Ronald Scott

Stephen Ward