19 films barred at IFFK, including Palestine-themed movies; CPM alleges Centre’s interference

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: As many as 19 films were denied screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), including several films centred on the Palestine issue and movies critical of the Union government’s policies. The screenings were stalled as the films failed to receive the mandatory Censor Exemption Certificate.

Films that do not have censor certification are usually screened at film festivals with a special exemption certificate issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. However, since such clearance was not granted for these 19 films, they could not be screened at the festival. Among them were four films dealing with the Palestine issue.

Reacting sharply, CPM General Secretary MA Baby alleged that the move was an attempt to sabotage the film festival.

"It is not only unfortunate, but it's also the most condemnable act by PM Modi, HM Amit Shah and Mohan Bhagwat. Organising an aesthetically meaningful film festival is the right of every state government... What kinds of films are being prevented from screening?... The entire cultural fraternity in unmistakable words should condemn what they are doing,” he said.