Filmmaker Nadav Lapid has “abused” Indian hospitality by calling The Kashmir Files as “propaganda” and “vulgar”, Israeli Ambassador to India stated on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.
In an “open letter” to the Israeli filmmaker, Ambassador of Israel Naor Gilon equated the movie on the exile of Kashmiri Pandits of the valley with Steven Spielberg’s Holocaust basic Schindler’s List and urged Mr. Lapid to “justify” his criticism.
“In Indian culture they say that a guest is like God. You have abused in the worst way the Indian invitation to chair the panel of judges at @IFFIGoa as well as the trust, respect, and warm hospitality they have bestowed on you,” stated Mr. Gilon.
Nadav Lapid was invited to chair the jury on the Indian International Film Festival in Goa the place The Kashmir Files was screened. The Israeli jury chief lashed out on the movie and stated, “We were, all of us, [jury members] disturbed and shocked by the 15th film, The Kashmir Files, that felt to us like a vulgar propaganda movie inappropriate for an artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival.”
In response, the Israeli envoy indicated that the film-maker’s criticism of the controversial movie could have an effect on sentiments in India saying, “The friendship between the people and the States of India and Israel is very strong and will survive the damage you have inflicted. As a human being, I feel ashamed and want to apologise to our hosts for the bad manner in which we repaid them for their generosity and friendship.”
“You will go back to Israel thinking that you are bold and “made a statement”. We, the representatives of Israel, would keep right here. You ought to see our DM packing containers following your “bravery” and what implications it might have on the group beneath my accountability,” stated Ambassador Gilon.
Ambassador Gilon was supported by his predecessor Daniel Carmon who stated in a tweet, “Amb @NaorGilon’s excellent open letter this morning to #NadavLapid speaks for all of us & reflects our true feelings. As the Ambassador said-the friendship between the people & the States of India & Israel is very strong and will survive the damage the film maker has inflicted.”
Mr. Carmon stated, the Film-maker “should apologise for his revolting personal remarks.” Nadav Lapid is understood for celebrated movies resembling The Kindergarten Teacher and 2019 Golden Bear winner Synonyms. His speech on the IFFI Goa drew a powerful social media backlash from the supporters of The Kashmir Files who accused him of neglecting Indian sentiments relating to the persecution of Pandits in Kashmir.
Source: www.thehindu.com