Hollywood stars back boycott as Israel's minister targets film academytoggle caption Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty ImagesIn response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, A-list Hollywood actors and filmmakers have pledged to boycott Israel's state-funded movie industry. Their action comes at a time when Israel's Cultural Minister is also threatening his country's film and television academy. Film Workers for Palestine emphasize that their boycott is not aimed at individuals, but institutions, such as Israeli film production and distribution companies, even film festivals. Sponsor MessageAssaf Amir, who heads the Israeli Academy of Film and Television, says the boycott is counterproductive. Sponsor MessageAmir said he thinks Israel's government doesn't care what Hollywood celebrities have to say, and might welcome a boycott as a way of punishing Israeli filmmakers.