This chapter explores the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and its humanitarian implications, alongside the industry's reactions to controversial statements made by agents. It highlights the impactful journey of a filmmaker who shifted focus to document the Ukrainian refugee crisis, discussing the urgent need for assistance and the ethical challenges of filming in such environments. Additionally, it reflects on the broader societal and political ramifications within the entertainment industry regarding freedom of speech and the historical context of blacklisting.
Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down a letter signed by hundreds of SAG-AFTRA members calling on union leaders to protect Pro-Palestine members from being blacklisted.
Plus, Masters speaks to Warsaw-based filmmaker Maciek Hamela, whose documentary In The Rearview traces the stories of refugees fleeing Ukraine. The film originated from Hamela’s personal experience of repeatedly driving into the war-torn country in a small van, picking people up, and driving them to safety in his native Poland.