Oscar-nominated documentary gets A certificate for India

An Oscar-nominated film documenting the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl in Gaza has been cleared for release in India after an initial delay. "The Voice of Hind Rajab," directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, will open in Indian theaters on June 19 after receiving an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) without any cuts.

The film tells the true story of Hind Rajab, who was fleeing Gaza City with her family in January 2024 when their car came under fire from Israeli forces, killing all her relatives. The girl was able to answer a call from emergency services operated by the Palestinian Red Crescent and pleaded for rescue. Her body, along with those of her family and two rescue workers, was later found within meters of each other. The film uses Rajab's real voice recordings alongside actors portraying the Red Crescent members.

The documentary had been scheduled for a March release but was held up by the certification board. At the time, the film's local distributor, Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment Limited, said he was told by a CBFC member that releasing the film could damage India's relationship with Israel. The...