Portman, Triet Lead Open Letter Defending Nadav Lapid Against Cultural Boycott

More than 350 film-industry figures, including Natalie Portman and Justine Triet, signed an open letter in Le Monde defending Israeli director Nadav Lapid against a cultural boycott and intimidation campaign tied to his festival involvement. The letter argues inviting a filmmaker is about the work, not state representation, and denounces attempts to silence debate as several filmmakers withdrew from Marseille’s festival. Lapid said he would withdraw to ease the festival’s difficulties but warned of a broader chilling effect on cultural institutions and reaffirmed support for political sanctions against Israel.