The Indian theatrical release of Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has been blocked by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), according to the film’s distributor. The film, which recounts the story of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed in a Gaza car attack, is being censored due to its political sensitivity, distributor Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment told Variety. Nandawana submitted the film for censorship approval in February and had planned a March 6 release to coincide with the March 16 Oscars. However, the CBFC has not cleared the film, with a member reportedly warning that its release “would break up the India-Israel relationship.” Nandawana disputed this claim, stating that the film has already been released in the U.S., U.K., Italy, France, and other countries with strong ties to Israel. The CBFC did not respond to Variety’s request for comment. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September and won the Silver Lion, has faced challenges in India despite its international success. Last year, the CBFC also halted the release of Indian director Sandya Suri’s Oscar-shortlisted film “Santosh,” which explored caste and religious tensions in northern India. The censorship of “The Voice of Hind Rajab” comes amid heightened diplomatic ties between India and Israel. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February visit to Israel marked the first such trip by an Indian leader in 25 years, strengthening economic and technological partnerships. Modi’s support for Israel contrasts with India’s historical alignment with Palestinian causes, raising questions about the CBFC’s decision to block the film’s release.#venice_film_festival #central_board_of_film_certification #manoj_nandwana #hind_rajab #jai_viratra_entertainment
Indian film board blocks release of Oscar-nominated Gaza drama The Voice of Hind Rajab The Indian film board has blocked the release of The Voice of Hind Rajab, an Oscar-nominated Tunisian documentary about the death of a five-year-old girl during the Israel-Gaza war. The film’s Indian distributor, Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment, reported that authorities warned the screening of the film by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania could harm India-Israel relations. Nandwana submitted the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in February, aiming for a mid-March release ahead of the Academy Awards, but it has not been approved. He expressed skepticism about the claim, stating, “The India-Israel relationship is so strong that it’s idiotic to think this movie will break it.” The Voice of Hind Rajab details the death of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl, in January 2024, as her family fled bombing in Gaza City. The film incorporates the actual audio of Rajab’s panicked phone conversation with emergency operators, with the latter performed by actors. It was nominated for the best international feature film Oscar alongside It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, and Sentimental Value, but did not win. India’s government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently supported Israel since the 7 October attacks, becoming one of the first nations to issue a statement in response. Modi’s recent two-day visit to Israel in February saw the signing of numerous agreements. The CBFC, however, has a history of blocking politically sensitive films.#central_board_of_film_certification #kaouther_ben_hania #hind_rajab #india_israel_relations #jai_viratra_entertainment
