The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is currently facing a significant controversy as six films have been withdrawn from the festival. This decision came after the Ministry of External Affairs raised serious concerns regarding these films.
The Ministry expressed that showing these six films could contradict India’s foreign policy and might even pose a risk to national security, prompting a warning of potential legal action.
In a recent conversation, Resul Pookutty, chairperson of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, which organizes the IFFK, shed light on the situation. He mentioned that out of nineteen films submitted for review, twelve were approved, while one film was rejected due to a lack of a certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Ultimately, six films were denied permission for screening.
Resul explained that although he had the support of the Kerala government to present these films, he decided to postpone their screening voluntarily. He mentioned that recommendations from the Chief Secretary highlighted the need to align with the directive from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. “As Indians, we should prioritize our national interests,” Resul stated, reinforcing that the decision to withdraw the films was in the Academy’s best interest.
This controversy raises important questions about artistic expression and national policy, and it has sparked discussions within the film community.
