Skip to main content
  • English
  • العربية
  •  
  •  
Home Al Jazeera Media Network

A truly global network

play

Live

Main navigation

  • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • Vision
    • Mission
    • Values
    • Our Journey
    • Virtual Tour
    • Code of Ethics
    • Editorial Standards
    • Code of Conduct
  • Leadership
  • Our Network
  • Faces
    • Arabic
    • English
    • Mubasher
    • Balkans
  • Awards
  • Events
  • Press Releases
  • More
    • Publications
    • Videos
    • FAQ
    • Press Kit
play

Live

Al Jazeera English Premieres Award-Winning Documentary 'BOYCOTT'

Published on: 24 Sep 2023
  • Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • WhatsApp

Al Jazeera English is to premiere award-winning documentary 'BOYCOTT.' This groundbreaking film delves deep into the complexities of anti-boycott legislation sweeping across the United States, shining a spotlight on the unwavering commitment of American individuals to defend their rights to freedom of expression. 'BOYCOTT' will be presented in three captivating parts on the following dates: September 26, October 3, and October 10, 2023.

In 'BOYCOTT,' award winning filmmaker Julia Bacha pulls back the curtain on a movement led by conservative legislators and lobbyists in the United States, which has been effective in restricting free speech. Across the nation, 36 states have introduced anti-boycott laws mandating that individuals and companies seeking public contracts must pledge not to engage in boycotts against Israel.

'BOYCOTT' closely follows the stories of three remarkable individuals: Arkansas news publisher Alan Leveritt, Arizona lawyer Mikkel Jordahl, and Bahia Amawi, a speech therapist in Texas. These individuals boldly refuse to sign employment contracts that explicitly forbid them from participating in boycotts against Israel and are willing to pursue legal action to defend their First Amendment rights. While some assert their moral right to boycott in solidarity with Palestinians, others are motivated by a broader principle —their entrenched right to express themselves freely as individuals, irrespective of their stance on boycotting Israel. 

These narratives strike at the heart of a pressing national issue and vividly illustrate how the right to free speech in American society could undergo a significant redefinition for generations to come.

Ingrid Falck, Head of Documentaries, at Al Jazeera English remarks, "As journalists, we frequently report on the steady erosion of people's freedom of expression worldwide, encompassing a diverse range of stories. The film 'Boycott' powerfully portrays individuals on the ground who are unwavering in their resolve to uphold their rights and their freedom to dissent. It is essential to clarify that we do not endorse boycotting any specific entities. Rather, the film underscores the struggles of people to express their private opinions and the lengths they are prepared to go to preserve and defend that right. This insightful and gripping documentary explores this issue through three very different cases and attitudes, providing fascinating insight, at a time when the U.K. government is engaging in similar legislative debates." 

Julia Bacha producer of the film BOYCOTT commented, stating, “Throughout history, boycotts have been a cherished tool for social change — from the U.S. civil rights movement to the global movement to dismantle apartheid in South Africa, and beyond. With threats to free speech increasing worldwide, it's crucial to shine a light on the power of everyday people standing up for their right to boycott and voice dissent.”

'BOYCOTT' offers an insightful and immersive look into the intricate dynamics of political forces at play while also spotlighting the stories of ordinary Americans courageously defending their constitutional rights and freedoms.

PRESS RELEASES

Peabody awards two exclusive Al Jazeera documentaries on Gaza war carnage
Al Jazeera English wins two Overseas Press Club awards
Al Jazeera English’s Fault Lines Investigates Israeli Military Shootings of Children in Gaza
Al Jazeera strongly condemns the assassination of its correspondent in Gaza Hossam Shabat
Al Jazeera Arabic’s channel on YouTube surpasses 20 million subscribers
Al Jazeera English's Gaza investigative film by Fault Lines receives prestigious RTS Award
Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on recent election loss, Easter bombing investigations, and prosecution of the Rajapaksa family
Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days opens submissions for 4th edition
Al Jazeera English ‘Head to Head’ interview with Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority leader of the Kenyan National Assembly
Al Jazeera Media Institute Partners with the University of Aberdeen on a Master's Programme
‘The Palestine Laboratory’ exposes Israel’s export of unique systems of control and surveillance technology around the world
Al Jazeera condemns in the strongest terms the arrest of Mohamad Atrash by the Palestinian Authority and calls for his immediate release
  • Load More

About

  • About Us
  • Code of Ethics
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Cookie preferences
  • Work for us

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with us
  • Apps
  • Channel Finder
  • TV Schedule
  • Podcasts
  • Submit a Tip

Our Channels

  • Al Jazeera Arabic
  • Al Jazeera English
  • Al Jazeera Investigative Unit
  • Al Jazeera Mubasher
  • Al Jazeera Documentary
  • Al Jazeera Balkans
  • AJ +

Our Network

  • Al Jazeera Center for Studies
  • Al Jazeera Media Institute
  • Learn Arabic
  • Al Jazeera Center for Public Liberties & Human Rights
  • Al Jazeera Forum
  • Al Jazeera Hotel Partners
 

© 2025 Al Jazeera Media Network.