Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, the jury head of the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), on Monday described Hindi film The Kashmir Files’ as “propaganda” and “vulgar” that was inappropriate for an artistic and competitive section of such a prestigious film festival.

His statement has hurt the sentiments of the Indian Film Makers and Technicians. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees has taken serious note of his derogatory and insulting statements against renowned Producer/Director Shri Vivek Agnihotri.

The FWICE, the oldest and largest organisation of the workers, technicians and artists working in the Indian Film Industry sheltering scores of members under its huge umbrella – strongly condemns the statements of Israeli Film maker Nada Lapid and seek immediate unconditional apology from him in writing. We appeal the Director of the Film Festival to oppose the statement of Nadav Lapid. We are surprised to note the silence of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting over the entire controversy.

FWICE hereby stands with solidarity in support of all our Film Makers, Producers, Artists and Technicians associated with the Indian Film Industry.