Netflix has denied accusations of removing Palestinian films from its platform, clarifying that a collection titled “Palestine Stories,” which includes at least 19 films, is being taken down due to expired licencing agreements.

“We launched this licensed collection of films in 2021 for three years. Those licenses have now expired. As always, we continue to invest in a wide variety of quality films and TV shows to meet our members’ needs, and celebrate voices from around the world,” the streaming media company said in a statement to Deadline.

This decision has sparked a significant backlash from human rights organisations and activists. Freedom Forward, a San Francisco-based group, has initiated an open letter and petition demanding an explanation from Netflix regarding the removal of these films.

A coalition of organizations, including the Arab American Action Network, Council on American Islamic Relations, and Freedom Forward, expressed serious concern over Netflix’s recent decision to remove at least 19 films by Palestinian filmmakers or focused on Palestinian narratives. This sentiment was captured in an open letter signed by multiple advocacy groups.

Sunjeev Bery, executive director of Freedom Forward, emphasised the importance of reinstating such titles.

“While I understand that licensing issues may be involved, it is crucial for Netflix to ensure global access to Palestinian films, especially during such a challenging time for Palestinians,” he stated in an interview with Deadline.

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Bery also noted the platform’s lack of communication regarding the film removals and criticised Netflix for not making sufficient efforts to renew the necessary licenses. The removal has sparked widespread discussion about the role of streaming services in promoting diverse voices and narratives.

When Netflix launched the Palestine Stories Collection in October 2021, it introduced a lineup of 32 films “either directed by Palestinian filmmakers or centred on Palestinian narratives.”

This collection showcased the works of notable directors such as Annemarie Jacir, Mai Masri, Mahdi Fleifel, Susan Youssef, May Odeh, and Farah Nabulsi, and was characterized as “a tribute to the creativity and passion of the Arab film industry.”

But the current Pakistani version of Netflix now features only two films from the Palestine Stories Collection: 200 Meters and Ibrahim: A Fate to Define. This reduction has raised concerns among viewers and advocates about the accessibility of Palestinian stories on major streaming platforms.