A cinema in Chicago has come under fire for twice cancelling a screening of Bring the Family Home, a documentary about campus antisemitism created by Israeli-American Jewish rapper Rami Even-Esh, also known as Kosha Dillz, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The independent theatre, Facets Film Forum, initially dropped the screening, then reversed the decision following backlash accusing it of antisemitism. In a statement at the time, Facets said it „respects the First Amendment” and regretted „any unintended offence” caused to the filmmaker and attendees. However, without announcing a new date, the venue later scrapped the event again, citing „harassment” from Even-Esh and the pro-Israel Chicago Jewish Alliance (CJA), which co-organised the original screening.
Facets alleged that it had received over 2,500 critical emails and numerous social media messages. One online post, reportedly offering a bounty to burn down the theatre, was referred to the police, although Facets did not name the person responsible.
The CJA urged supporters to email the theatre after the first cancellation, describing the move as „shameful” and accusing Facets of discriminating against Jewish voices. „You didn’t cancel the film because of safety. You cancelled it because of discomfort with Jewish visibility,” their email stated.
Even-Esh denied any wrongdoing and expressed disappointment at the theatre’s final decision. „I never did that, so that has nothing to do with me. I’m just the one who got cancelled,” he said, adding, „It feels a little bit of a slap in the face.”
He also criticised the theatre’s claim that it remained committed to Jewish stories. While Facets pointed to screenings of other Jewish-themed films, including one about Israeli demolitions in the West Bank, Even-Esh argued that his documentary presented a distinct, underrepresented viewpoint. „None of those films show a sort of pro-Israel approach,” he said, calling the theatre’s approach „selective Jewishness” and „silent exclusion.”
The rapper is now seeking an alternative venue to screen Bring the Family Home in Chicago on 22 June. In light of recent violence, including the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, DC, he stressed the need for dialogue. „It’s important to still try to bring people together and foster conversation,” he said.
Photo credit: JTA
More News
