India has blocked the release of The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film centred on the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl during the Gaza war, according to its distributor.
The Oscar-nominated docudrama, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, tells the real-life story of Hind Rajab, who was killed while her family attempted to flee conflict in Gaza.
Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment said a member of India’s Central Board of Film Certification indicated the film would not be approved for theatrical release, citing concerns it could affect India’s diplomatic relations with Israel.
Nandwana said he was not formally notified of a ban but concluded the film would not pass certification after screening it for the board. He questioned the decision, noting the film has been shown internationally, including in Israel, and previously screened at a film festival in Kolkata.
India maintains a delicate diplomatic balance in the Middle East, strengthening ties with Israel in areas such as defence and technology while historically supporting Palestinian statehood.
The decision has drawn criticism from opposition figures, including Shashi Tharoor, who described the move as “disgraceful” and argued that restricting films on diplomatic grounds undermines freedom of expression in a democracy.
Despite the controversy, the film has received international recognition. It was nominated for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards and won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, where it reportedly left audiences deeply moved at its premiere.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between artistic expression and geopolitical considerations, as governments navigate the cultural impact of sensitive global conflicts.
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