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Portrait of Mira Nair

Mira Nair

Renowned filmmaker and activist

Friend of PalestineNot Palestinian, and stood with Palestine
Born
15 October 1957
Born in
Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India
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Why Mira is here

Boldly used her platform to highlight global socio-political issues, including the Palestinian struggle.

Their story

Mira Nair is an Indian American filmmaker, born in Rourkela, India, in 1957. Her films include Salaam Bombay! (1988), which was nominated for an Academy Award, Mississippi Masala, The Namesake and Monsoon Wedding, which made her the first woman to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

In 2013 she turned down an invitation to be guest of honour at the Haifa International Film Festival, saying she stood with the Palestinian call for a cultural boycott and would visit Israel "when the walls come down". Her work has always returned to the lives of people displaced by borders and power.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Mira’s path.

  1. 1988

    Released her debut feature film Salaam Bombay! which was critically acclaimed and won multiple international awards.

  2. 1991

    Directed Mississippi Masala, a film that examines racial tensions and identity among African and Indian diasporas.

  3. 2001

    Achieved widespread recognition with Monsoon Wedding, a global hit that earned the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

  4. 2012

    Directed The Reluctant Fundamentalist, a film exploring post-9/11 identity struggles, which also addressed the impact of U.S. policies in the Middle East.

  5. 2016

    Produced Queen of Katwe, showcasing her continued commitment to telling stories of marginalized communities.

    Watch

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Advocacy for Palestine

    Mira Nair has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, often using her films and public appearances to highlight the struggles of Palestinians under Israeli occupation.

  2. The Reluctant Fundamentalist

    This film, though primarily about post-9/11 identity, subtly critiques U.S. foreign policy and its repercussions on the Palestinian people, reflecting Nair's concern for global justice.

  3. Collaborations with Palestinian Artists

    Nair has collaborated with artists from Palestine and the wider Middle Eastern region, fostering cultural exchanges that highlight the Palestinian narrative.

  4. Support for Palestinian Cinema

    Nair has supported Palestinian filmmakers and cultural projects, helping bring their stories to a global audience.

  5. Public Endorsements

    Through various international platforms, including film festivals and academic institutions, Nair has spoken out against the occupation of Palestine, advocating for the rights and dignity of Palestinians.

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Watch

Mira in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Watch on YouTube↗

Further reading

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