Harrisburg, PA − April 9, 2024 − State Senator Amanda Cappelletti releases the following statement in response to screening decision at Bryn Mawr Film Institute:
It has come to my attention that Bryn Mawr Film Institute has made a recent decision to cancel the scheduled screening of “The Child Within Me,” an apolitical music documentary which focuses on an Israeli musician’s own life. As a Special Representative to the Board, my role at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI) is to attend Board meetings when possible and support their arts and cultural program. My role is nonvoting and limited in its scope.
I’ve heard from many community members who are deeply upset by the decision and are passionate to see the screening reinstated. I appreciate constituents reaching out to my office to express their thoughts so I can best advocate for our District’s wishes in my conversations with leaders at BMFI.
While my office is not involved in any of the screening decisions at BMFI, I have reached out to the leaders at BMFI to express my deep disappointment over the decision to cancel this film screening and ask them to reconsider this decision and work towards a decision that brings the community together. I’ve also spoken to the leaders at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to express my support and affirm my dedication to supporting the Jewish Community in our District and across Pennsylvania.
No matter where you stand on the global issues at hand, penalizing artists because of their nationality is not the answer. Artistic expressions are valuable contributions to our society, and my support of meaningful arts and culture in Pennsylvania is why I have continued the many years long tradition of the District’s Senator serving as a Special Representative to the Board at BMFI.
As we all navigate the ongoing global turmoil, we cannot lose perspective on fostering the inclusive, supportive communities we all want to live here in the Commonwealth. It’s on all of us to call out antisemitism and hate when we see it in our community. Pennsylvania must continue to affirm that we are a place where everyone is welcome to live, express their opinions, and consume the arts and culture they chose.