NAITA: BDS Roundtable

We refuse to allow Hot Docs to whitewash Scotiabank's reputation at home and abroad. Scotiabank is complicit in the theft of Indigenous lands and the genocidal displacement of Indigenous people through its funding of TC Energy and Elbit.

—YINTAH Filmmaking Team

Thursday, May 2, 6pm:

ROUNDTABLE: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement in Film

CFMDC, 1411 Dufferin St.

Doors 5:30pm || Panelists: Jess Devaney, Nataleah Hunter-Young, Inney Prakash, Michael DeForge (moderator) || PWYC || See program website for accessibility info.

OUTSPOKEN? OUTSTANDING? OUTRAGEOUS. 

Demand that Scotiabank dump Elbit Systems.

Scotiabank conducts a great deal of its influence laundering via the arts in Canada and is a major presenting sponsor of Hot Docs Festival. Via its Scotia Global Asset Management arm, Scotiabank also has a $500 million dollar investment in Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest military and arms company. This active support in the ongoing genocide of Palestinian people is absolutely unacceptable. Turning a blind eye to Scotiabank’s investment is no longer an option, and doing so makes Hot Docs complicit in artwashing. This is NOT a call to boycott or withdraw from the festival. This is a call to use the festival to AMPLIFY a specific and achievable demand: SCOTIABANK, DUMP ELBIT. There must be NO ARMS IN THE ARTS.

Scotiabank needs to know that it cannot bank on genocide. Hot Docs needs to use its significant influence to echo the demands of its community, and pressure Scotiabank to divest from Elbit. Cultural institutions have power to enact change, if they want it.

If you are attending Hot Docs:

• Speak out on stage, and during interviews. Keep the messaging clear and consistent: “Scotiabank has $500 Million invested in Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems. Join me in demanding No Arms in the Arts, and that Scotiabank dump Elbit.”

• Ask questions at screenings: “This is a question for Hot Docs as an institution – are you concerned that your presenting sponsor, Scotiabank, is the largest foreign investor in Elbit System weapons manufacturer?”

• Chant “Scotia Banks on Genocide!” and boo when Scotiabank logos or ads appear before screenings

Check out the full 10-day NO ARMS IN THE ARTS Festival lineup!