New Delhi: Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, who heads the jury of the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), described Hindi film “The Kashmir Files” as a “disinformation” and “propaganda” film.
The jury board of the International Film Festival has distanced itself from the comment.
The board’s statement came in response to jury chief and Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid’s remarks.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival (IFFI) 2022 held in Goa, Nadav Lapid had said he was “disturbed and shocked” by the screening of the film at the film festival.
“I am comfortable sharing this feeling openly with you, because the spirit of the festival can truly accept the critical discussion that is essential to art and life,” said jury chief and Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid.
Written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, “The Kashmir Files” is based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley at the peak of militancy in the 90s. The film, promoted by BJP leaders, was commercially successful, but it faced allegations of inciting communal passions.
Amid the latest controversy, the IFFI jury board today issued a statement saying that what the jury chief and Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid has said about the film is his “personal opinion”
Israel’s Ambassador to India Nour Gillon said, “In Indian culture, a guest is like god. You have in the worst way abused the Indian invitation to chair the panel of juries at IFFI Goa, as well as the trust and respect they have given you.”