Miami Beach Mayor Drops Plan to Evict Theater Over Controversial Documentary

Mayor Steven Meiner withdrew his proposal after facing opposition from city commissioners and widespread criticism from free speech advocates.

The proposal to terminate O Cinema's lease and funding was introduced after the theater screened 'No Other Land,' an Oscar-winning documentary about Palestinian displacement in the West Bank.
Mayor Steven Meiner described the film as antisemitic and a public safety threat but faced significant backlash from legal experts, filmmakers, and advocacy groups.
Five out of six Miami Beach city commissioners opposed the resolution, prompting Meiner to withdraw the plan during a City Commission meeting on March 19, 2025.
The controversy has drawn international attention, with over 600 filmmakers signing an open letter criticizing the move as a violation of free speech and the First Amendment.
O Cinema continues to screen the film to sold-out audiences, reaffirming its commitment to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking content.