- Controversial Film Cancellation: Jewish Organization Objects to Jeremy Corbyn Documentary
- Contributors and Political Background of the Documentary
- Concerns and Response: Glastonbury Festival’s Decision and Board of Deputies’ Reaction
Oh, Jeremy Corbyn… The Big Lie was scheduled to be screened on Sunday at the festival. It “explores a dark and murky tale of political deceit and outrageous antisemitic smears” with Jackie Walker and Ken Loach.
Glastonbury screened a “conspiracy theory” film about former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Oh, Jeremy Corbyn… The Big Lie was scheduled to be screened at the festival on Sunday.
According to the website of the film’s producer, Platform Films, the film “explores a dark and murky tale of political deceit and outrageous antisemitic smears.”
The president of the Jewish communal organization Board of Deputies, Marie van der Zyl, wrote to the festival organizers stating that it would be “profoundly sinister” if the film was screened at the event.
She stated that the film “seeks to imply that organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews, of which I am president, ‘orchestrated’ Jeremy Corbyn’s ouster as leader of the Labour Party.”
In a statement announcing the screening’s cancellation, the Glastonbury Festival said it believed organizers booked the film in “good faith, with the hope of provoking political debate.”
“It is now apparent that screening it at the festival would be inappropriate. We oppose all forms of discrimination, as Glastonbury is about unity and not division.”
Jackie Walker and Ken Loach contributed to the documentary as writers and filmmakers, respectively.
Ms. Walker was expelled from the Labour Party for allegedly making antisemitic remarks while Mr. Corbyn was in command.
Mr. Loach was expelled from the party in 2021 for refusing to disavow expelled members.
Andrew Murray, who served as Mr. Corbyn’s advisor, also contributed to the documentary.
Mr. Corbyn was removed from Labour’s parliamentary party group due to his response to an Equality and Human Rights Commission report that found Labour had violated the law in the way it handled antisemitism complaints while under his leadership.
He stated that the problem was “overstated” in scope.
Since then, Mr. Corbyn has been barred from running as a Labour MP in the upcoming election.
In her letter, Ms. van der Zyl expressed concern over Glastonbury’s decision to screen the film.
Your festival is one of the most successful festivals in the UK,” she wrote.
“It appears extremely sinister that it is providing a platform for a film that seeks to indoctrinate people into believing a conspiracy theory aimed at Jewish organizations.”
“We request that you do not allow your festival to be commandeered by those seeking to promote hatred with no factual basis, just as we hope that your festival will not screen films promoting other conspiracy theories, such as anti-vaccination, 9/11 truthers, and chemtrails.”
The Board of Deputies subsequently stated that they were “pleased” Glastonbury had canceled the screening.
The company Platform Films has been contacted for comment.
