Kerala Defies Centre's Censorship, Screens All IFFK Films Amid Bureaucratic Row

Image Source: Internet

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite the Union government's denial of censor exemption to 19 films at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), the state's chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that all scheduled films will be screened as planned. The decision comes amidst a standoff between the festival organisers and the central government over censorship and bureaucratic hurdles. The Centre's decision to deny screening permission to the films, including Palestinian titles Once Upon a Time in Gaza and Wajib, has been met with criticism from Kerala's culture minister Saji Cherian and film director Resul Pookutty. The IFFK director blamed the situation on 'overreactive and overzealous bureaucracy' that created hurdles for the festival's smooth conduct. However, an official from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has attributed the delay in granting exemptions to 'procedural lapses' by the organisers, citing that applications were submitted only nine days before the festival, despite ministry guidelines requiring 15 days. The official also mentioned that organisers had not initially provided complete details, such as synopses and trailers. Noted film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan expressed his displeasure over the decision, calling it a 'sheer lack of understanding' of cinema by the organisers. The IFFK, which focuses on films from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, alongside world cinema and Malayalam films, will continue its schedule till December 19. The state's decision to defy the Centre's censorship has sparked a debate on creative freedom and the role of the government in regulating art. As the festival unfolds, the issue is likely to continue drawing attention from the film fraternity and the public alike.