Statement from Glasgow Film Board of Trustees

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Statement from Glasgow Film Board of Trustees


29 May 2025

Glasgow Film has announced it will not formally endorse BDS or PACBI. The charity takes the decision in order to retain independent decision-making and uphold its commitment to Cinema For All.


Full statement:

The Board of Trustees at Glasgow Film recognise the horrific humanitarian crisis in Gaza and are appalled by the ongoing loss of Palestinian lives. We understand the depth and diversity of feeling within our staff, audiences, and wider communities, and we acknowledge the calls from artists and activists for cultural and consumer boycotts in solidarity with Palestinians. We also recognise the rising levels of anti-semitism, Islamophobia and polarisation in our communities and condemn any kind of racism or discrimination.

As an independent charity, trustees are legally required to act in the best interests of the charity, and in line with its charitable objects which are, for Glasgow Film, principally to educate the public about film. To meet this obligation, we believe that all decisions, including those relating to ethical purchasing and programming, should be taken independently, and on a case-by-case basis, informed by robust internal policies and processes.

We want Glasgow Film to have a positive impact locally and globally. Our mission is Cinema For All and we know there is always more that we can do to achieve this. The actions that we will take to demonstrate our values include:

  • Undertake a review and refresh (in consultation with staff) of our ethical policies and practices (programming, fundraising, advertising and purchasing) in order that we are better able to robustly assess any connections to human rights abuses. A full review of all the products in our bar has already started.
  • Continue to uphold our commitment to Cinema For All by balancing freedom of expression with ethical and inclusive programming.
  • Continue to platform the voices of global filmmakers, including Palestinian artists and others silenced and marginalised through conflict, occupation or discrimination.
  • Continue to promote dialogue and empathy through cinema.

Following a period of careful reflection, legal advice, and consultation with staff and community stakeholders, we consider the above approach to be in line with our legal duties as charity trustees and in the best interests of the charity, as opposed to formal and wholesale endorsement of BDS or PACBI.

We have tried at all times to consider this important issue with the care and integrity it deserves, and we are grateful to everyone who has shared their views with us over the last few months. We remain committed to Cinema For All.

If you would like to contact us about this issue, please email feedback@glasgowfilm.org


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