India Bans ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ Film Amidst Israel-India Relations Concerns | Euronews
Kaouther Ben Hania’s critically acclaimed film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, has encountered a significant roadblock in its international distribution: a ban in India. The decision, made by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), comes despite the film’s accolades – including a record-breaking 23-minute standing ovation at the last year, the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at that festival, a nomination, and a place on the shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the .
According to Manoj Nandwana of Mumbai-based Jai Viratra Entertainment, the CBFC cited concerns that releasing the film would “break up” India-Israel relations. Nandwana challenged this reasoning, pointing out that The Voice of Hind Rajab has already been screened in numerous countries – including the US, the UK, Italy, and France – all of which maintain diplomatic ties with Israel. “I told them: the India-Israel relationship is so strong that it’s idiotic to suppose this movie will break it,” he reportedly said.
The Voice of Hind Rajab is a powerful and harrowing depiction of the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed during an Israeli attack in Gaza on . The film centers on a desperate distress call made by Rajab as she became trapped in a car amidst the conflict, with the voices of emergency responders attempting to reach her. The tragedy was documented by both The Washington Post and the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, which reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired 355 bullets at the vehicle, too killing two paramedics who were attempting a rescue.
Ben Hania’s approach, similar to her previous Oscar-nominated film Four Daughters, blends documentary elements with dramatic reenactments. She utilizes the actual audio recordings of Rajab’s call, juxtaposed with a dramatization of the emergency workers’ response. As noted in a review, the film is “enraging and urgent both in substance and form,” serving as a “devastating elegy to an innocent girl who was robbed of her right to live.”
The ban has sparked outrage, with many condemning the decision as disgraceful and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being an “Israeli puppet.” This isn’t the first instance of the CBFC blocking politically sensitive films. Sandhya Suri’s Santosh was halted last year due to concerns over its portrayal of misogyny and violence within the Indian police force. However, the censorship of The Voice of Hind Rajab appears to signal a shift in India’s foreign policy.
Historically, India has supported the Palestinian cause. However, under Modi’s leadership, the country has increasingly aligned itself with Israel. Modi’s official visit to Israel in – the first by an Indian prime minister in 25 years – underscored this evolving relationship. This visit marked a significant moment in the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Despite the ban in India, The Voice of Hind Rajab has secured distribution in several other territories. The film boasts an impressive list of executive producers, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer. However, reports indicate that some distributors are hesitant to take on the project, citing fears of potential backlash.
The film’s power lies in its unflinching portrayal of a tragic event and its ability to humanize the victims of conflict. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war, particularly on innocent civilians. Despite the obstacles it faces, The Voice of Hind Rajab remains a vital and important work, demanding to be seen and reckoned with.