London-based Platform Films has announced that its hard-hitting documentary, Censoring Palestine, will bypass traditional distribution roadblocks and will be released, completely for free, to the public.
The documentary is directed by long-time radical filmmaker Chris Reeves and produced by Norman Thomas, who also made the well-known documentary Oh Jeremy Corbyn – The Big Lie. The 75-minute film, made in 2024, exposes what the documentary’s makers describe as systemic censorship across British political, media, educational, and cultural institutions regarding solidarity with Palestine.
Censorship despite acclaim
Despite winning critical acclaim at independent film and arts festivals across Britain, the filmmakers have faced severe resistance in securing widespread distribution. Where showings have been secured, numerous public screenings have been blocked or suppressed.
In response to these distribution barriers, the production team has decided to move to a free-access digital strategy to ensure the film reaches a global audience without commercial or political filters. Thomas described the growth in political censorship and intimidation as “terrifying”:
We have seen a terrifying rise in the use of public pressure and administrative tactics to silence dissent. From paintings being dropped from exhibitions to speakers being cancelled, attempts have been made to erase Palestine from the mainstream narrative.
He added that screenings of his own film Censoring Palestine have been cancelled on many occasions, mainly because of pressure being brought on venues by notorious pro-Israel organisations and individuals:
We were even refused a screening by the London’s Conway Hall. The Conway has a huge reputation for standing up for freedom of speech and screened our previous film about Jeremy Corbyn, but they wouldn’t show Censoring Palestine.
Now, by making our film freely available on YouTube, we are breaking through these barriers and giving the public unhindered access to the truth.”
Censoring Palestine features exclusive interviews with a range of prominent figures, journalists, and activists, including legendary filmmaker Ken Loach; award-winning journalist Peter Oborne; independent journalist Jonathan Cook, comedian and author Alexei Sayle and activist Sarah Wilkinson.
The film is a sequel to Oh Jeremy Corbyn – The Big Lie, which went viral despite ‘mainstream’ media and politicians’ determination to pretend it didn’t exist and extensive institutional attempts to suppress its release.
By making the documentary entirely free to view, Platform Films says that it aims to democratise access to critical political analysis. While the film will be free, the filmmakers welcome community donations to support future independent, radical journalism.
The film will have its online premiere on Monday 16 November on the Platform Films YouTube channel.
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