New Delhi: “The Kashmir Files”, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, is once again in the news after International Film Festival of India (IFFI) jury chief and Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid criticized the film in his closing speech. He criticized the film based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s and described the film as ‘vulgar’ and ‘inappropriate’ during the closing ceremony of the festival. He also mentioned that he was “surprised” as to how such a film could enter the competition of this film festival.
His speech went viral on social media and was criticized by several prominent personalities including actor Anupam Kher. Israel’s envoy to India Nour Gillon on Tuesday criticized the IFFI jury chief and apologized for the conduct of her compatriot at the 2022 International Film Festival of India in Goa.
What did he say in his speech against ‘The Kashmir Files’?
In his speech, he said, “We were all perplexed and appalled by the 15th film: The Kashmir Files. It struck us as a propaganda, pornographic film, inappropriate for an artistically competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel completely comfortable sharing my feelings openly with you here on this platform. Since the spirit of having a celebration is also to acknowledge an important discussion that is essential to art and life.”
#Breaking, #IFFI Jury say they were “disturbed and shocked” to see #National Film Award Victory #KashmirFiles“A propaganda, obscene film” in the competition section of a prestigious festival organized by the Government of India.
to finish @vivekagnihotri Sir…
@nadavlapi pic.twitter.com/ove4xO8Ftr— Navdeep Yadav (@navdeepyadav321) November 28, 2022
Who is Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid?
Nadav Lapid, 47, is an Israeli filmmaker and was the head of the IFFI jury this year. He was born in Tel Aviv in Israel and his family is of Jewish descent. He studied philosophy at Tel Aviv University and then served in the Israel Defense Forces before moving to Paris. Later, he studied at the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School in Jerusalem.
He is known for his films such as Policeman, The Kindergarten Teacher and Synonym among others. The film Synonyms received the prestigious Golden Bear Award at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival in 2019.
(with agency inputs)