Kerala IFFK row: Amid protest, centre denies permission for 5 films, allows rest 12 cinemas to be screened
The final decision by the central government comes after widespread protest from the CPM and its affiliate groups alleging that the centre is trying to muzzle free speech. Centre in its communication with the IFFK organizers had informed that 5 cinemas were denied permission as its contents could create fissures in the relationship with few countries
Thiruvananthapuram: Following discussions and deliberations between the centre and the state over 17 films that were found to be controversial, the centre finally allows 12 films to be screened at the venue while 5 cinemas denied permission. I&B ministry cites that 5 films were denied permission as it could damage the relationship with few countries and hence decided not be screened.
Earlier the centre had denied permission for 19 cinemas to be screened. However, this has triggered widespread criticism from political leaders and film figures who argue the intervention cuts directly across the festival’s curatorial intent. The disruption also sparked protests from festival attendees.
Kerala culture minister Saji Cherian, a senior leader of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), in his Facebook post described the Center’s denial of exemptions as an unjustified intrusion into the state’s cultural sphere.
"The denial of ‘Censor Exemption’ by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to 19 films selected for screening at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala is an unnecessary intrusion into Kerala’s cultural sphere. This anti-democratic approach cannot be accepted,” Cherian wrote.
He said IFFK, now three decades old, is among the country’s most important film festivals and warned that the state would not allow any attempt to undermine its legacy or progressive character.
Kerala government decides to screen all 19 films
Meanwhile, Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed the I&B ministry decision to withhold the permission to screen cinemas at the IFFK venue citing technical difficulties. Kerala CM has directed the IFFK organizers to ensure that all the 19 movies to be screened amidst the central government's opposition to screening the movies.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram and whose party also sits in opposition at the Center, said the denial of exemptions had created an "unprecedented crisis” for the festival and exposed deep inconsistencies in India’s film censorship regime.
The controversy has also touched Indian cinema. "Santhosh” the U.K.’s India-set submission for the Academy Awards, was among the titles affected by the certification impasse. The film, which was due an Indian theatrical release several months ago, is yet to receive certification. Its director, Sandhya Suri, is serving on the IFFK international competition jury.