London, England – Executive producer Danny Cohen has broken his silence regarding director Jonathan Glazer’s controversial Oscars speech for the film “The Zone of Interest.” Speaking on the Unholy podcast, Cohen addressed the backlash the speech has received, stating, “It’s really important to recognize it’s upset a lot of people and a lot of people feel upset and angry about it. And I understand that anger frankly.”
During his acceptance speech for best international film at the Academy Awards, Glazer juxtaposed his Holocaust film with the conflict in Gaza, sparking a heated debate. Cohen expressed his disagreement with Glazer’s comments, emphasizing his belief that the responsibility for the ongoing war lies with Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization. The producer highlighted the importance of separating the film’s message from the director’s remarks, stating, “I don’t think it takes away from us that it’s a remarkable film and the impact it can have on Holocaust education.”
Glazer’s speech not only stirred controversy within the Jewish community but also garnered support from individuals advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, praised Glazer for drawing parallels between the Holocaust and current conflicts, asserting, “Glazer speaks for the massive and growing number of Jews who honor our histories by joining our Palestinian siblings in their struggle for freedom and justice.”
Despite the polarizing nature of Glazer’s comments, Cohen expressed disappointment that the film’s success had been overshadowed by the controversy. He highlighted the significance of the movie in Holocaust education and the effort put into creating a meaningful piece of art over the past ten years. Cohen emphasized the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process, revealing that Glazer and producer James Wilson had worked closely together on the project.
While Glazer’s remarks continue to generate mixed reactions, Cohen remains focused on the impact of “The Zone of Interest.” He reiterated the film’s importance in raising awareness about the Holocaust and expressed pride in the team’s achievement in winning Academy Awards. Cohen and financier Len Blavatnik shared a commitment to Holocaust education, driving their decision to support the production of the film.
In conclusion, Cohen emphasized the lasting impact of the film and its potential to contribute to Holocaust education in the long term. Despite the controversy surrounding Glazer’s speech, the producer underscored the importance of recognizing the film’s merit and the dedication put into its creation.