MUBI, the curated streaming platform known for its focus on arthouse cinema, is facing intense criticism from users and employees over its fundraising from a venture capital firm that invests in companies linked to the Israeli military. In response, MUBI’s founder and CEO, Efe Çakarer, issued a statement on August 14, 2025, flatly denying allegations that the company is funding a war as “entirely baseless.”
目次
CEO’s Statement Denies War Funding
In his statement, CEO Çakarer explicitly addressed the controversial $100 million investment from venture capital firm Sequoia Capital. He clarified that profits generated by MUBI will not be used to fund other companies in Sequoia’s portfolio, which includes those associated with the Israeli military.
Furthermore, Çakarer distanced the company from Sequoia partner Shawn Maguire, who has been criticized for social media posts deemed Islamophobic. He emphasized that Maguire has no involvement in MUBI’s operations or strategy and that the company does not endorse his views, stating that MUBI has communicated its “strong concerns” to Sequoia.
Çakarer explained that Sequoia is a minority shareholder with no oversight over programming, editorial, or financial decisions, asserting that he, as the majority shareholder, maintains full control of the company.
MUBI to Establish Ethical Funding Policy in Response to Criticism
While not meeting the strongest demand to return the investment, Çakarer announced three key initiatives to address the backlash:
- Establishment of an Ethical Fundraising and Investment Policy: A clear framework will be created for future funding partners, ensuring that investor interests are separate from editorial and commissioning decisions. The policy will be published on August 15 for public feedback, with a final version to be released on October 15.
- Creation of an Artist Advisory Board: By September 15, an independent advisory board comprising filmmakers, artists, and experts in human rights due diligence will be formed. This board will advise on the new policy and provide independent guidance on MUBI’s values.
- Launch of a Fund for Artists at Risk: Over the next three years, a fund will be established to support filmmakers working amidst conflict, displacement, and censorship, including Palestinian filmmakers. Details are set to be announced by October 30.
Half of Employees Demanded Investment Return in Letter
The controversy has also sparked significant internal dissent. According to information obtained by IndieWire, 201 of MUBI’s more than 400 employees anonymously sent a letter to management demanding action.
The letter, sent on June 16, made three key demands:
- Return the $100 million investment from Sequoia Capital.
- Remove Sequoia partner Andrew Reed from MUBI’s board of directors.
- Refuse any future funding that involves MUBI in the “business of killing.”
The letter harshly condemned the investment, stating it makes “MUBI and each of us complicit in the Israeli government’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people,” and argued that it puts the company’s reputation and mission in serious jeopardy.
Boycott Calls from Filmmakers and Users
Criticism has also mounted from outside the company. Last week, 63 filmmakers signed an open letter calling on MUBI to condemn Sequoia and remove Reed from its board.
On social media, calls for a user boycott have spread, with some subscribers canceling their memberships. Some employees testified that they were deeply dissatisfied with management’s initial response, which reportedly dismissed the online criticism as “trolling.”
The industry will be closely watching to see if the new policies announced by CEO Çakarer will be enough to repair MUBI’s damaged brand image and regain the trust of its community.