NFDC Cancels Israel Film Festival Amid Backlash Over Gaza War Crimes
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has cancelled the Israel Film Festival, which was set to take place at the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in Mumbai on August 21 and 22, 2024. The decision came in response to an intense online campaign led by a group of prominent Indian citizens, including actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, as well as documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, writer and activist Tushar Gandhi, and others. The campaign, organized by the India Palestine Solidarity Forum, called for the cancellation of the festival, citing ongoing Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

A Unified Call Against Injustice

The online signature campaign garnered over a thousand signatures from artists, activists, and concerned citizens. The campaign's statement highlighted the timing of the film festival, noting that it was set to occur as the world bears witness to what the group described as Israeli war crimes, a Holocaust, and a genocide in Gaza and across Palestine. The group emphasized that hosting an Israeli film festival at this moment would be an affront to the moral and ethical values that India has historically upheld.

“This screening by the NFDC is shamefully taking place at a time when the entire world is witnessing Israeli war crimes, the ongoing Holocaust, and the genocide in Gaza, as well as across all of Palestine,” the statement read. The signatories called for a complete halt to any screenings of Israeli films until Israel complies with international law and ceases its alleged atrocities.

Citing Evidence and International Law

The campaign drew on evidence from various sources, including a medical research study published in The Lancet, which reported that the Israeli regime has killed a significant portion of Gaza’s population, with women and children being the primary victims. The group argued that this constitutes a genocide, with the death toll potentially surpassing 200,000, amounting to over 8% of Gaza's population.

Moreover, the statement referenced findings presented by South African Human Rights Lawyers at the International Criminal Court (ICC), which have reportedly led to the ICC's decision to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes.

NFDC’s Response and Public Reaction

Despite the gravity of the allegations and the growing pressure from the campaign, the NFDC and NMIC remained silent in the immediate aftermath. However, it was later confirmed by sources, including Firoze Mithibirewala of the India Palestine Solidarity Forum, that the NFDC had indeed called off the Israel Film Festival. An NMIC official, speaking anonymously, also confirmed that the event had been “pulled down,” although further details were not provided.

The cancellation of the festival marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around international human rights and the role of cultural institutions in addressing global issues. The campaigners see this as a victory for ethical governance and a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to supporting anti-colonial liberation struggles, as articulated by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.

As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, this episode serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up against perceived injustices on the global stage.