Cinema trustees say they stand by the decision to hosting a private screening in an Israeli film festival, despite protests vandals targeting the building.

The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley was found vandalised this morning (May 23), with its doors daubed with red graffiti reading ‘Say no to art washing’.

As part of the international Seret film festival taking place from May 16 to May 23, a private showing of Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre will be screened at the cinema.

The documentary tells the story of the young victims and survivors at the Nova festival in Re’im during the October 7 Hamas attack.

And while pro-Palestinian protesters plan to gather outside the cinema at 7pm, coinciding with the time the film is shown, the screening will go ahead.

The Phoenix Cinema Trust, which runs the venue, said: “The private hire of the cinema by Seret was agreed by the Phoenix board of trustees at a recent meeting. Since hearing disagreement with this decision from some, the board discussed the hire again and considered the views it has heard.

“Our conclusion is that for all private hires, including this one, the Phoenix should not aim to censor or veto the content of screenings, provided they are legal and, in this instance, unless we are advised by the police that it would unsafe to proceed.”

It added: “We seek a diversity of work and voices in our programming and we also welcome hosting a range of private hires which allow individuals and communities to choose their own content.

“We know that our supporters - like the general public - have passionate and strongly held views about events in Israel and Palestine.

“We appreciate that some do not agree with our decision. Despite this, we hope that people will remain committed to our shared vision of a vibrant, sustainable and independent cinema in East Finchley for our local community and for London.”

The Metropolitan Police says it is treating the graffiti this morning as a potential hate crime.

Officers were called at 10.11am to reports of criminal damage, and there have been no arrests at this time although an investigation has been launched.

A spokesperson added: “Police had already been made aware of protests expected at the venue regarding a film screening on Thursday night.

“Officers will be there to make sure those attending can protest safely whilst at the same time minimising serious disruption to the community.”

The Community Security Trust, a British charity that supports Jewish people, said: "CST is appalled by the disgraceful graffiti on the Phoenix Cinema today, and we are proud to be working with MPS Barnet to secure the counter-protest this evening."

In its statement calling for these cinemas to boycott Seret, Artists for Palestine UK claimed the festival was part of Israel’s “broader artwashing strategy” to cover up “crimes against the Palestinian people”.

Odelia Haroush, co-founder of Seret told this paper that she had no doubt the festival would be a “success”, despite calls for a boycott.

She said: “Most of our screenings are sold out already. I do not see a point to cancel culture.

“Through the films you can see all the diversity within the Israeli society, and a lot of the filmmakers are criticising Israel as well.”

She added that the films were chosen for their “artistic quality”, and not for their politics.