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India’s film certification board has reportedly blocked the theatrical release of The Voice of Hind Rajab, an Oscar-nominated docudrama centred on the death of a five-year-old Palestinian girl in Gaza.
The distributor, Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment, informed AFP that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested the film’s release could “hamper India’s relations with Israel.”
Despite being screened at a Kolkata film festival last year and receiving a global release—including in Israel—the movie has yet to receive official clearance for general Indian audiences.
Directed by French-Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film recounts the harrowing true story of Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces. At the same time, her family attempted to flee the conflict.
The docudrama has received significant international acclaim, winning the Silver Lion grand jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature.
Nandwana expressed confusion over the move, questioning why a film accessible worldwide is considered too sensitive for the Indian public.
The decision has sparked political backlash within India, with opposition MP Shashi Tharoor labelling the block “disgraceful.”
Tharoor argued that government-to-government diplomatic ties should not dictate freedom of expression in a democracy.
The controversy highlights the delicate balancing act of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has significantly strengthened defence and technology ties with Israel while historically maintaining support for Palestinian statehood.
