Chennai: The Israeli Film Festival, initially scheduled to be held at Tagore Film Centre in Chennai, has been postponed following public outcry and protests over the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza. The decision came after intense criticism on social media and condemnation by political and cultural groups opposing Israel’s actions in Palestine, reported the Madhyamam.
The festival was being organized by the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai. However, after several voices raised concern over the insensitivity of hosting such an event during the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the organizers decided to call off the screening.
Director of ICAF, Sivan Kannan, confirmed the postponement but refrained from citing a specific reason, stating only that the event will be rescheduled at a later time. However, it is evident that public sentiment and growing resistance, especially from student groups and civil society, influenced the decision.
This development is part of a larger wave of global resistance to cultural normalization with Israel amidst its war on Gaza, which has led to thousands of civilian deaths and mass displacement.
