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ESG Risk · Film Financing · Mubi · Sequoia Capital
Arthouse distributor Mubi accepted $100 million in funding from Sequoia Capital, a venture firm with a stake in an Israeli defense-tech startup, prompting protests from director Jim Jarmusch and other artists over alleged "genocide profiteering." Jarmusch, whose film "Father Mother Sister Brother" was co-produced by Mubi, expressed disappointment and concern at the Venice Film Festival, stating his relationship with Mubi predated the funding.
Dozens of filmmakers with Mubi ties signed an open letter urging the company to reconsider its partnership with Sequoia and publicly condemn the investment in a defense-tech startup founded by Israeli intelligence units after the Oct. 7 attacks.
Mubi's founder has pushed back, asserting that any suggestion their work funds the war is untrue. Jarmusch acknowledged the moral complexities of film financing, stating "all corporate money is dirty" and artists should not bear the onus of explanation.
Cast member Indya Moore highlighted the "creative warfare and resource warfare" behind the scenes in Hollywood, emphasizing the developing process of ethical due diligence.
