Tunisian-French film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, faces a roadblock in India over concerns that its release could strain India's ties with Israel. The film, nominated for an Academy Award, is based on the real-life killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl during the Gaza war.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has referred the film to a revising committee, citing India-Israel relations. The film's distributor, Manoj Nandwana, said the CBFC committee members took this decision to maintain a positive diplomatic relationship.
The film, which incorporates actual audio of the girl's distress calls and presents Israeli military action in a poor light, was initially slated for a March 6 release in India. However, the delay reduces the hype for the film, according to Nandwana.
While there's no talk of a ban, the government is adopting delay tactics. The film's executive producers include big names like Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara.
CBFC's refusal to certify the film has drawn reactions from political circles, with Congress leader Shashi Tharoor calling the restriction "pretty disgraceful." The absence of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) since 2021 means filmmakers now rely on internal review or courts.
