Over the past week, one of the most troubling stories in the international film community has unfolded largely outside public view. Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid — an acclaimed and internationally recognized director in his generation-- withdrew from the FIDMarseille film festival following a campaign of pressure surrounding his participation. Several filmmakers reportedly withdrew their own work in protest of his inclusion, prompting a broader debate about artistic freedom, cultural boycotts, and whether artists should be judged according to their work or according to their nationality... Before anyone rushes to debate Nadav Lapid's politics, or even the merits of his films, a more fundamental question deserves our attention.