Filmmakers Urge Mubi to Drop Israeli-Linked Investor

Streaming platform Mubi is facing increasing criticism from filmmakers over its financial ties to Israeli military-linked investors. Many in the film community are urging Mubi to sever its relationship with Sequoia Capital, a private equity firm that recently invested $100 million in the company and supports several Israeli defense technology startups.

The controversy centers on Sequoia Capital’s backing of firms such as Kela Technologies, founded by Israeli military veterans after the October 7 Hamas attack, and Neros, a military drone manufacturer. A group of filmmakers connected to Mubi, including notable names like Aki Kaurismäki, Miguel Gomes, and Joshua Oppenheimer, have signed an open letter condemning Mubi’s association with Sequoia. The letter, first published by Variety and now endorsed by 63 signatories including Israeli directors Ari Folman and Nadav Lapid, accuses Mubi of being financially linked to what they describe as genocide in Gaza.

The filmmakers emphasize their belief in cinema’s power but stress that aligning their work with investors profiting from violence contradicts their values. Meanwhile, a UN report has classified Israel’s military actions as consistent with genocide, though Israel denies these claims, calling them baseless and disputing any intent to commit war crimes.

When the issue surfaced in June, Mubi responded by saying its partnership with Sequoia Capital was aimed at accelerating its mission to bring bold, visionary films to audiences worldwide. The company stated that Sequoia’s investments do not represent Mubi’s views and reassured its community that it remains an independent, founder-led company committed to listening to feedback.