O Cinema dodged eviction, but resolution renews censorship fears

Axios

23-04-2025

Miami Beach commissioners on Wednesday are expected to discuss a measure aimed at influencing programming at indie theater O Cinema.
The big picture: The discussion comes a little more than one month after the theater survived eviction over its decision to screen "No Other Land."
The Oscar-winning film documents the Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank for military training grounds, before the current conflict in Gaza.
The resolution, proposed by Mayor Steven Meiner, calls for the theater to program films that "highlight a fair and balanced viewpoint" of the Israel-Hamas war and to ensure the "viewpoint of Jewish people and the state of Israel is fully and accurately presented."
Why it matters: Critics argue the move undermines the theater's freedom of expression and causes a chilling effect on it and other art spaces.
Between the lines: The commission has previously been accused of silencing pro-Palestinian voices, including barring protesters from obstructing streets or sidewalks in response to demonstrations in the city.
Catch up quick: Last month, Meiner's attempt to evict the cinema — which operates in a city-owned facility — and pull about $40,000 in city grants sparked international outrage.
Supporters of O Cinema packed a commission meeting, calling the proposals an attempt to control the theater and a violation of free speech.
Commissioners who disagreed with Meiner shared his concerns about the dangers of antisemitism but said the government should not direct content decisions.
What they're saying:"The community has made it overwhelmingly clear that they do not want government influence in the types of films O Cinema shows," said Kareem Tabsch, the cinema's co-founder, in a statement to Axios.
The proposal "poses real concerns of government overreach into the independence of cultural organizations like O Cinema," he said.
Daniel Tilley, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, said even after Meiner backed off the eviction threat, the "bell cannot be unrung."
Though the current resolution seeks to "encourage, not dictate" programming decisions, "the chill to O Cinema and other cultural institutions who dare to display or express disfavored viewpoints remains."
The other side: Meiner did not respond to Axios' request for comment Tuesday, but he previously called the film a "one-sided propaganda attack" on the Jewish people.