Pathé no longer showing films with blackface Zwarte Piet

Popular movie house chain Pathé will no longer screen films in which the wintertime character Zwarte Piet is portrayed in blackface makeup. The cinema chain said it made the decision because they do not want their audience members to feel discriminated against.

The choice was one of inclusion, and a response to racist comments posted in reference to an undisclosed film trailer. Following a series of Black Lives Matter and anti-colonialism protests in the Netherlands this past summer, several high profile companies have taken a stance against the depiction of people in blackface, including Facebook, Instagram, Amazon and Bol.com.

Pathé said on Instagram that the policy will apply not only to new movies but also will apply to films shown in revival screenings. Films where the Sinterklaas assistant is depicted in soot will be acceptable, Pathé said.