The 13th Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) has cancelled the scheduled screenings of two Palestinian films, No Other Land and From Ground Zero, due to difficulties in securing necessary permissions.
Festival officials announced that the screenings were dropped as the films lacked required clearance from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). A spokesperson from DIFF explained that in India, all films showcased publicly must obtain certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) or, in the case of film festivals, obtain exemption certification from the I&B Ministry for films that do not have CBFC approval. Despite efforts, DIFF was unable to secure exemptions for these two films.
No Other Land was originally set to screen on 7th November, followed by From Ground Zero on 8th November. The first film, directed by Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, offers a vérité-style portrayal of the struggles faced by residents in Masafer Yatta, a West Bank village cluster subjected to systematic demolition by Israeli forces. Adra and Abraham’s project, filmed over five years, highlights the resilience of Palestinians while underscoring an unlikely partnership between its Palestinian and Israeli co-creators. No Other Land has previously been showcased at the Berlinale and NYFF62, receiving wide acclaim for its poignant storytelling.
From Ground Zero, an anthology directed by 22 Palestinian filmmakers, captures everyday realities of resilience amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The collection includes 22 short films spanning documentary, fiction, animation, and experimental genres, presenting a powerful mosaic of Palestinian life amidst crisis.
DIFF’s team conveyed disappointment to festival-goers, emphasizing that the festival has long been dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and impactful stories.
About Author
Leave a Reply