India Orally Bans Oscar-Nominated Gaza Drama Citing Israel Ties Threats
The Indian release of Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated Tunisian drama "Voice Of Hind Rajab" has been orally banned by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following allegations that screening it would threaten diplomatic relations with Jerusalem. Distributor Manoj Nandwana confirmed to multiple outlets on March 20th, including The Hindu and Variety's exclusive report from Marooned in India yesterday at noon: "The CBFC has orally denied permission," stating the film depicts a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces during early-2024 Gaza conflict.
Key Points
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1India has orally denied permission from its CBFC board for Oscar-nominated Tunisian drama The Voice Of Hind Rajab.
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2Distributors allege the film's release is being blocked due to fears it would damage India-Israel relations following recent events in Gaza and Israel.
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3The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has yet to provide an official written response or justification for its decision, despite repeated inquiries from distributors.
Developments
The Oscar-nominated documentary *Voice* about Palestinian girl Hind Rajab has been blocked from theatrical release by India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The distributor reported that the board orally rejected certification without providing written reasons, citing potential negative impacts on Israel-India relations.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has delayed certifying Kaouther Ben Hania's Oscar-nominated film *Voice of Hind Rajab*, with its distributor alleging political concerns regarding India-Israel relations. The board previously flagged the documentary as "very sensitive" after it depicted Palestinian children fleeing Gaza and their deaths at Israeli hands, a case viewed by some observers as emblematic of genocide in Palestine.