Introduction

On October 4, 2023, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) found itself at the center of a significant controversy when it canceled a scheduled Q&A session for the Israeli film *Of Dogs and Men*. The decision came in response to intense protests from South Korean activists urging the festival to denounce "artwashing" amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian issues in Gaza.

Understanding 'Artwashing'

"Artwashing"—a term that emerged during protests in Los Angeles in 2017—describes the practice of using art to obscure or legitimize actions that may be morally questionable or harmful. In the wake of escalating conflict in Gaza and the suffering of its civilian population, there have been widespread calls among global activists to implement cultural boycotts against Israel, as part of the broader Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This movement aims to hold states accountable for violations of international law by discouraging collaboration with them in any form, including artistic ventures.

Reactions to the Screening's Cancellation

Following the announcement of *Of Dogs and Men* as part of the BIFF lineup, over 800 filmmakers and cultural workers rallied for the festival to pull the film. Demonstrations organized by BDS Korea and the Korean Cultural Alliance for Palestine took place both inside and outside the cinema, culminating in a dramatic moment when a protester took to the stage designated for the Q&A. In a passionate address, she condemned the film as a further attempt to mask Israel's actions against Palestinians.

Critique of the Film's Narrative

The narrative of *Of Dogs and Men* follows an Israeli girl searching for her lost pet, juxtaposed with the grim reality for many Palestinians in Gaza, who dread the prospect of becoming food for starving stray dogs due to dire living conditions. Critics have pointed out that this framing trivializes the real suffering experienced in the territory, where their lives are often reduced to poorly rendered visuals rather than authentic stories.

Conclusion and Ongoing Activism

While BIFF has yet to articulate a formal reason for canceling the screening events, the BDS National Committee considers the decision a significant victory in their ongoing efforts. Activists now aim to increase pressure for the complete withdrawal of all Israeli film screenings at the festival.

Community Response

The incident has sparked a flurry of responses online, with many international netizens expressing solidarity with the Korean protesters and advocating for further actions against entities associated with the Israeli state. As debates over art, ethics, and global responsibility continue, the unfolding situation at the Busan International Film Festival highlights the intersection of culture and political activism in today’s world.