An international film festival set to kick off in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday will showcase thirty-one films. However, these selections are currently undergoing a review process by the home, defence, and external affairs ministries due to their sensitive subject matter. A representative from the Union information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry clarified on Monday that the films have not been denied clearance, but are awaiting further verification.
Kerala Film Festival Faces Screening Permission Delays
The Kerala culture minister, PC Vishnunadh, announced that the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry has not provided reasons for denying screening permission to 31 films at the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK).
Unlike commercial screenings, films at festivals do not require a censor certificate but must obtain screening permission from the I&B ministry. This is necessary as they lack certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Vishnunadh mentioned that the Union government requested detailed synopses of the films, which were submitted the following day. However, the ministry has only released a list of films that received permission.
An I&B official indicated that delays were partly due to lapses in the submission of required documents, which extended the processing time. The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, which organizes the IDSFFK, initially sought exemptions from certification for 347 films. Most of these films have been cleared, while the remaining will be authorized as the verification process concludes.
Under the Cinematograph Act of 1952, films typically need certification for public exhibition. However, Section 9 allows the Union government to exempt films from this requirement under certain conditions. The I&B ministry’s guidelines state that festival organizers should submit applications at least a month in advance and provide complete documentation at least 15 days prior to the event.
