CEO Efe Cakarel of film platform Mubi addresses controversy regarding new investor and Israeli military ties, establishes advisory board and fund to safeguard artists under threat.
Mubi, the arthouse distributor and producer with a mission to champion independent voices in cinema, has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding its funding practices. Here is a summary of Mubi's response and the steps it has taken to address the concerns:
Mubi's Response
Mubi CEO Efe Cakarel released an open letter, emphasizing that any suggestion that Mubi's work is connected to funding the war is "simply untrue" and contradicts the company's values. Cakarel stated that Mubi condemns all acts that harm innocent civilians and supports the right of all people to live in peace and safety.
Mubi has reaffirmed its commitment against war and tyranny, supporting the dignity and freedom of all people. However, the company has not explicitly detailed any new measures to ensure ethical funding practices beyond this statement.
Steps Toward Ethical Funding Practices
Mubi has not publicly announced any specific steps to change its investment practices or dissociate itself from Sequoia Capital despite the criticism. The backlash from filmmakers and industry peers continues, with 63 directors signing an open letter urging Mubi to reconsider its relationship with Sequoia Capital due to the firm's ties to Israeli defense-tech start-ups.
In an effort to address these concerns, Mubi is formalizing an Ethical Funding and Investment Policy to be published in 2025. Additionally, Mubi is establishing an Artists Advisory Council to be formed by September 2025, which will include filmmakers, artists, cultural voices, and a human-rights due-diligence expert.
Supporting Filmmakers and Artists
Despite the controversy, Mubi has been applauded by indie directors and producers for favoring theatrical releases and giving them full transparency over revenues. Mubi has distributed movies by Iranian, Palestinian, and Turkish filmmakers, including Jafar Panahi, Mohammad Rasoulof, Fatih Akin, Hany Abu-Assad, Haifaa Al-Mansour, and Elia Suleiman.
Mubi has also created an Artists At Risk Fund to support filmmakers working under conflict, displacement, or censorship, including Palestinian filmmakers, over the next three years. One of Mubi's notable achievements is distributing "No Other Land," the Oscar-winning documentary co-directed by a team of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, in major European territories.
Future Commitments
Mubi is committed to elevating great cinema and making it accessible to audiences worldwide. In line with this mission, the company is moving forward with its plans to fund commissions, residencies, and restoration projects administered at arm's length by an independent panel.
As Mubi continues to navigate this complex issue, it remains focused on its core mission to support independent voices in cinema and promote peace and understanding through the power of film.
[1] The Hollywood Reporter [2] Variety [3] IndieWire
- Mubi, a platform championing independent cinema, denies any allegation of funding war activities, standings against such acts.
- Efe Cakarel, Mubi's CEO, advocates for peace and the rights of all people, in an open letter addressing funding concerns.
- Despite backlash, Mubi is commended for its transparency in revenue sharing and support for diverse filmmakers worldwide.
- Iranian, Palestinian, and Turkish filmmakers have received distribution from Mubi, including Jafar Panahi, Mohammad Rasoulof, Fatih Akin, Hany Abu-Assad, Haifaa Al-Mansour, and Elia Suleiman.
- Mubi will form an Artists Advisory Council by September 2025, aiming to include industry experts and a human-rights due-diligence specialist.
- In response to criticisms, Mubi is planning to unveil an Ethical Funding and Investment Policy in 2025.
- The company has created an Artists At Risk Fund to support filmmakers under conflict, displacement, or censorship, over the next three years.
- Mubi's initiatives also include funding commissions, residencies, and restoration projects for independent filmmakers through an independent panel.
- Despite the controversy, Mubi is acting towards advancing global cinematic culture and promoting sustainable living within the film industry.
- Some filmmakers and industry peers have urged Mubi to dissociate itself from Sequoia Capital due to the firm's ties to Israeli defense-tech start-ups.
- The efforts to ensure ethical funding practices at Mubi could potentially influence other entertainment companies to follow suit in their investment decisions.
- In the meantime, the impact of the controversy on Mubi's relationships with filmmakers, critics, and influencers remains to be seen.
- This case presents opportunities for education and self-development on the importance of ethical investments and corporate social responsibility in the entertainment industry.
- As the public and media continue to scrutinize these industries, the expectation for ethics and sustainability will grow, calling for more accountable investment practices from film companies like Mubi.
