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Netflix urged to produce documentary that tackles Roald Dahl’s antisemitism
Statement comes after the streaming giant took over the late writer’s estate
September 23, 2021 17:41
Statement comes after the streaming giant took over the late writer’s estate
September 23, 2021 17:41The Board of Deputies has called on Netflix to produce a documentary that tackles Roald Dahl’s antisemitism after the streaming giant took over his estate in a deal reportedly worth £500 million.
Mr Dahl's grandson Luke Kelly and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos spoke of creating a “unique universe across animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theatre, consumer products and more” in a joint statement on Wednesday.
Netflix said it was already working on adapting Matilda The Musical and producing a series inspired by his 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory under another deal reached three years ago.
In a statement to the JC, the Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl said that in the light of the deal, it would be appropriate for Netflix to produce a documentary that fully explores Mr Dahl’s antisemitism.
She said: “The virulent antisemitism of Roald Dahl is well-known, and has sadly marred the full enjoyment of his works for many Jewish (and other) people.
“We do not believe that Netflix should be prefacing every film and TV series it adapts from Dahl’s works with disclaimers about his bigotry.
“However, we fear that, as part of Netflix’s stated plans to create a ‘unique universe’ around his works, a by-product of that may be to present Dahl – whether on-screen or off it – as some sort of paragon of kindness and virtue.”
Titles such as Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have enjoyed broad appeal, but Mr Dahl’s more controversial comments have sparked debate in recent years.
Mr Dahl, who died over 30 years ago, notoriously told the New Statesman in 1983 that there “is a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity”
He said: “I mean, there’s always a reason why anti-anything crops up anywhere; even a stinker like Hitler didn’t just pick on them for no reason.”
His estate and family apologised in a statement last year for the hurt caused by some of Roald Dahl's statements.
They said: “Those prejudiced remarks are incomprehensible to us and stand in marked contrast to the man we knew and the values at the heart of Roald Dahl's stories which have positively impacted young people for generations.
"We just hope that, just as he did at his best, at his absolute worst Roald Dahl can help remind us of the lasting impact of words."
A source close to Netflix said the streaming site condemns "antisemitism in all its forms.
"Netflix is committed to inclusion in our workplace and our storytelling, including in how we tell these stories going forward.
"The Dahl family did apologise for comments made by Roald Dahl - sharing their family’s deep regret that those offensive beliefs were so at odds with the kindness, surprise and wonder of his written worlds."