31 Films Face Screening Uncertainty After Centre Denies Censor Exemption Ahead of Kerala Film Fest; Why This Happened?
The ministry cleared only 9 of 40 films after reviewing detailed synopses and screeners, leaving festival organizers uncertain about the remaining titles.
- The Union Ministry denied screening exemptions to 31 films selected for the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, scheduled to begin in Thiruvananthapuram on September 25.
- Following submission of 347 films, the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy complied with requests for detailed synopses and screeners for 40 titles, yet The Union Ministry subsequently rejected 31 of them without providing specific reasons.
- Rejected films cover sensitive subjects including caste discrimination, the Covid-19 pandemic, protests in Iran, and life in Gaza, with affected titles including "Sanitised Republic: Cast and Contracts," "Memories of a Window," and "Birds of War."
- Kerala Culture Minister Vishnunadh urged The Union Ministry to reconsider, citing lack of explanation, while Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor called the decision an "assault on the freedom of expression."
- Precedent exists for such disputes: at last year's International Film Festival of Kerala , officials initially denied 19 films exemptions before clearing some for screening, leaving the current 31 films' status uncertain.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Information Ministry Says No Films Denied Screening Permit at 18th Short Film Festival of Kerala
Get latest articles and stories on Entertainment at LatestLY. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has rejected allegations that it denied screening permission to 31 films at the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), clarifying that no film has been outright denied permission. Entertainment News | Information Ministry Says No Films Denied Screening Permit at 18th Short Film Festival of Kerala.
31 films in limbo after Centre withholds screening exemption at Kerala film fest
The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has denied censor exemption to 31 films lined up for IDSFFK in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala has sought a review, saying the ministry gave no reasons and putting the screenings in doubt.
Centre has not stated reasons for denying screening permission to 31 films: Keralam minister
Keralam minster for culture PC Vishnunadh said on Sunday that the Union ministry of information and broadcasting has not stated reasons for denying screening permission to 31 films at the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) scheduled to be held in the state capital later this month
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
