Oscar-Nominated Film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' Cleared for Release in India Without Cuts

The Tunisian film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," directed by Kaouther Ben Hania and an Oscar nominee, has finally secured a release permit in India after facing an initial ban from the country's censorship authorities. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted the film a "Category A" certificate, permitting its theatrical release nationwide without any scene alterations.

Jai Viratra Entertainment, the film's distributor in India, announced that "The Voice of Hind Rajab" will premiere across the country on June 19. The documentary recounts the tragic true story of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was trapped in a car attacked by Israeli forces in Gaza and was later found deceased.

The film's path to Indian screens was fraught with controversy. In March, the distributor had submitted the film for censorship certification in February, aiming for a March 6 release. However, approval was delayed. According to Manoj Nandwana, head of Jai Viratra Entertainment, a CBFC member expressed concerns that the film's screening might disrupt India's relations with Israel.

This initial rejection occurred shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel in late February, a trip seen as strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in economic and technological sectors. Nandwana dismissed these concerns, arguing that the India-Israel relationship is robust enough not to be negatively impacted by a film. He also pointed out that the movie had been screened in numerous countries with diplomatic ties to Israel, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France.

In an official statement, Jai Viratra Entertainment conveyed its appreciation to the CBFC for granting certification without cuts. The company stated, "We believe cinema is a powerful medium for storytelling, fostering dialogue, and understanding diverse human experiences." They also extended thanks to the media, filmmakers, artists, and all supporters who facilitated the film's distribution to Indian audiences.

"The Voice of Hind Rajab" premiered at the Venice Film Festival last September, where it received a lengthy standing ovation and earned the Silver Lion award. In the United States, the film was distributed by Neon after several other distributors opted out.

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We believe cinema is a powerful medium for storytelling, fostering dialogue, and understanding diverse human experiences.