Miami Beach theater faces political pressure over controversial film

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The future of O Cinema is uncertain after Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner pressured the theater to stop showing the Oscar-winning film No Other Land or risk eviction and funding cuts.

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The film, created by a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist, tells the story of a Palestinian family whose home was taken over by Israeli forces.

Its screening has drawn sharp criticism, including from Meiner, who has demanded the theater cease showing it immediately.

Cinema leaders on Tuesday stood alongside the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Coalition Against Censorship and cinematographers in defense of the screening.

“O Cinema will not be silenced, and neither will our community,” said Vivian Martell, CEO of O Cinema. “This is about more than just a film, it’s about the fundamental right of free expression, of artistic integrity and the role of independent cinemas in our community.”

O Cinema, which has operated at its current location for 11 years, says it will not bow to demands that it believes undermine First Amendment rights.

Miami Beach is expected to hold a virtual town hall meeting on the issue at 5 p.m. Tuesday.