Who Is Nadav Lapid IFFI Jury Head Who Called The Kashmir Files Vulgar

The Kashmir Files has become the center of conversation once again as International Film Festival head and Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid said that the jury was ‘disturbed and shocked’ at the film’s screening. In fact, he also called the film a ‘propaganda’ and ‘vulgar’ among other things. Meanwhile, many, have weighed in their opinions on the issue. But, who is Nadav Lapid?

ALL ABOUT IFFI JURY HEAD NADAV LAPID
Nadav’s opinion on The Kashmir Files kickstarted the debate over the film once again. He had said, “It seemed to us like a propagandist movie inappropriate for an artistic, competitive section of such a prestigious film festival. I feel totally comfortable to share openly these feelings here with you on stage. Since the spirit of having a festival is to accept also a critical discussion which is essential for art and for life.”

Born in Israel’s Tel Aviv, works he is known for include Synonymes (2019), The Kindergarten Teacher (2014) and Policeman (2011). He has been on the Golden Leopard jury at the 2015 Locarno Film Festival, and was also a member of the International Critics’ Week jury at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. Apart from that, he has also been on the ‘Official Competition’ jury at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival in 2021.

Aged 57, he has a love-hate relationship with his country, something that was also seen in his official entry for the Cannes Film Festival last year – Ahed’s Knee. Nadav, was also a part of the group of 250 Israeli filmmakers who protested the launch of the Shomron (Samaria/West Bank) Film Fund. They all felt that the fun had the goal to invite filmmakers to participate in ‘whitewashing the Occupation in exchange for financial support and prizes.’

ANUPAM KHER AND DARSHAN KUMARR REACT TO STATEMENT
For the unversed, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, The Kashmir Files features Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumarr, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, among others, in pivotal roles. While Lapid’s statement has caused a lot of arguments across social media, the actors too, have weighed in their opinions.While Kher tweeted, and later also spoke to ANI on the controversy, Darshan said that everyone can have a personal opinion but one cannot deny that the movie narrated the plight of the Kashmiri pandits. He also said how the film is not vulgar but the reality as the community continues to fight for justice.