Nadav Lapid, Israeli filmmaker and jury head of the International Film Festival Of India (IFFI), Goa, criticised Vivek Agnihotri’s directorial The Kashmir Files, calling it a “propoganda, vulgar movie”.
“The jury was disturbed and shocked to see the film being screened at the festival,” he said.
The Kashmir Files was selected for the Indian Panorama Section and was screened at 22 November at the IFFI at Goa.
“All of us were disturbed and shocked by the film The Kashmir Files. It felt to us like a propaganda, vulgar movie, inappropriate for an artistic, competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel very comfortable to share open these feelings with you since the spirit of the festival can truly accept critical discussion which is essential for the art and life”, Lapid said during the closing ceremony of the festival.
Anupam Kher, who plays a pivotal role in movie also attended the special screening of the movie.
The Kashmir Files was released on 11 March this year. The movie portrays the exodus and killings of the Kashmiri Pandits in the valley in 1990.
Many condemned the film and called out Agnihotri for its propagandist tone.