The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library was scheduled to screen the Palestinian film 200 Meters on March 17. Community members worked with the library to organize this film screening, and they chose the film from the library's own catalogue. 200 Meters tells the story of a Palestinian man, Mustafa, living in the West Bank. His wife Salwa, lives in Israel with their children. When their son is injured, Mustafa attempts to travel to the Israeli side legally but his passage is declined due to a technical issue. He is forced to take a more dangerous route.

After the advertisement was released for this movie screening, the library decided to cancel the event due to concerns received that the movie may incite violence and antisemitism. This is simply baseless as a simple google search will reveal raving reviews and awards won by the writer-director Ameen Nayfeh and actor Ali Suliman for 200 Meters.  Los Angeles Times reviewed by Noel Murray on Dec. 9, 2022 reads “The movie is mostly about Mustafa himself, a loving father and husband who endures whatever he has to in order to provide for his family. But as played by Suliman — with his kind eyes and thoughtful demeanor — Mustafa’s burdens feel especially undue.” Bradford West Gwillimbury Library had stringently vetted the content and deemed it appropriate and in line with values of our community to include it in their catalogue.

Libraries are public institutions that are mandated to protect the sharing of ideas and diverse lived experiences through various formats (ex. books, films, art, storytelling). Just last month, libraries across Ontario celebrated “Freedom to Read Week” which is an annual event encouraging intellectual freedom. The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library should dismiss this unjustified attempt to censor Palestinian lived experiences based on their very own Diversity and Inclusion Statements on the library’s website, which states:

“We are committed to working towards the elimination of bias, prejudice, and discrimination (interpersonal or systemic, whether intentional or unintentional) and promoting awareness of the benefits of a diverse community through our programs and services.  We are also committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with all members of our community to shape and inform Library programs, services, policies, and practices.”

”For too many, the pain of anti-Black racism, racism against Indigenous peoples and so many other forms of discrimination remain a hurtful reality; these daily struggles debilitate and inhibit growth not only of individuals but whole sections of our society.”

We, the undersigned, strongly advocate for the screening of the movie 200 Meters to amplify diverse perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue surrounding the Palestinian lived experience. This film was chosen from the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library’s catalogue and meets stringency with which content is selected for the community. It is imperative that all voices, including those advocating for Palestinian rights and narratives, are heard and respected.

By screening the movie 200 Meters, we aim to:

1. Promote Understanding: The movie will provide audiences with a nuanced understanding of the Palestinian perspective, shedding light on the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of the Palestinian people.

2. Encourage Dialogue: Movies as a form of art create a platform for constructive dialogue and engagement, where diverse viewpoints can be shared, challenged, and discussed in a respectful and inclusive manner.

3. Challenge Stereotypes: The movie will challenge prevalent stereotypes and misconceptions about Palestinians, offering a counter-narrative that humanizes their experiences and dispels existing prejudices. This movie, as told from the Palestinian perspective, empowers their voice, and helps to dismantle anti-Palestinian racism.

4. Promote Peacebuilding: By amplifying the voices of Palestinians and advocating for their rights, the movie contributes to the larger goal of peacebuilding and reconciliation in the region, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and dialogue.

By cancelling this event, the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library has silenced the voices of Palestinian people. This is an act of anti-Palestinian racism. Denying the Palestinian voice not only silences an important perspective but also perpetuates a one-sided narrative that undermines efforts towards peace and justice. As advocates for inclusivity, diversity, and human rights, we urge the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library to support the screening of this Palestinian movie and uphold the principles of freedom of expression and cultural diversity which align with the library’s values.

Let us reschedule this screening immediately and create a space that fosters inclusivity, respectful dialogue, and celebrates diverse experiences.

Statement by BWGPL on the cancellation of 200 Meters’ screening

Feel free to write letters with your concerns

Licinio Miguelo, Chair, BWGPL Board
lmiguelo@bradford.library.on.ca

Matthew Corbett, CEO, BWGPL: mcorbett@bradford.library.on.ca

James LeDuc, Mayor: jleduc@townofbwg.com

Raj Sandhu, Deputy Mayor: rsandhu@townofbwg.com