With no distributor purchasing the rights to screen in Israel Mel Gibson's controversial film "The Passion of Christ," the Tel Aviv Cinematheque has decided to do it itself – and bring the movie to our shores.
"We always said we would screen the movie if a distributor brought it here," said Alon Garbuz, head of the art-house cinema. "Even though there is controversy surrounding the film, the fact of the matter is that we live in a democratic society and those who want to see it should be given the option to do so."
The film will be screened as part of a special symposium on anti-Semitism and religion, set to take place at the end of the summer.
Garbuz told The Jerusalem Post that because of the controversy surrounding the film, the Cinematheque decided to host such a convention with academic, religious, artistic, and education associates of the Christian and Jewish communities in Israel.
"I'm surprised by all the hype at this point. People read in the papers today that we plan to show the film, and already we're getting phone calls asking for tickets," said Garbuz. "The film is not going to be shown tomorrow. To organize such a symposium is a big project and it will take months to get things in order."
The Passion of Christ, which tells the story of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem, has brought in a whopping $360 million to date since its release on February 25 in the US.
Distribution rights for the film run at about $150,000.
Not knowing how many Israelis would come and see the film could spell trouble if the Cinematheque dishes out that kind of cash. But Garbuz said that fee might be waived. "If the film is screened as part of our symposium there are possibilities to set aside that fee," he said.
"There's no reason to go bankrupt over this film," Garbuz added.
The Passion has been described as "brutal" for the gore it shows. Garbuz isn't sure the Cinematheque will slap on a rating, and says, "there's a lot of violence in the film, and those who don't want to see it, shouldn't come. Those who want to see it and learn about what other filmmakers are doing, should come see it."
As for his views on giving the film legitimization by showing it, Garbuz said he is only authenticating the fact that it is a movie.
"I'm not saying I agree with what Mel Gibson says. People can judge for themselves and say whatever they want about whatever is said in the movie," said Garbuz.
"At the end of the day it's a movie. If you don't like it, fine. But if I want to see it, I should have that option," he concluded.