Which 31 films are awaiting clearance at IDSFFK? Malayalam film ‘Globe’ among the titles

The 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) has run into a screening clearance issue ahead of its September 25 opening in Thiruvananthapuram, with 31 films awaiting approval from the Centre.

The development triggered concerns after the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy said the films had not received the required exemption from certification. However, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clarified on September 21 that permission had not been denied to any film. The ministry said six films had been asked to submit more detailed synopses, while some titles had been referred to sectoral authorities for further review based on their subject matter.

The clarification came after Kerala Culture Minister P C Vishnunadh sought reconsideration of the decision concerning the 31 films. The minister had earlier said the Union ministry had not provided reasons for withholding screening permission.

Why do festival films need an exemption?

Films selected for festivals such as IDSFFK generally do not have CBFC certification. While theatrical releases require certification for public exhibition, films screened at non-commercial festivals can be shown after obtaining an exemption from the Union government.

The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy had submitted a list of 347 films to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry seeking exemption from certification requirements. The applications included details of the films and their subjects.

The ministry later sought additional material for a set of films. According to the Academy, detailed synopses and screeners of 40 films were subsequently submitted for review. The latest position from the Centre, however, is that the process is still under consideration rather than that the films have been rejected.

Which films are awaiting clearance?

The titles reported to be awaiting clearance include 18 films from the official selection, nine from the International Non-Fiction section, three from the Festival Winners section and one from the Nepal Package.

Malayalam film ‘Globe’ is also among the affected titles.

Other films reported in the list include ‘Parliament Street’, ‘Sanitised Republic: Cast(e) and Contracts’, ‘Memories of a Window’, ‘Birds of War’, ‘Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk’ and ‘Our Land’.

The films cover subjects ranging from labour and caste to war, protests, migration and social realities.

‘Sanitised Republic: Cast(e) and Contracts’ looks at sanitation workers in Delhi hospitals who continued working during the Covid-19 pandemic before facing job losses, while ‘Parliament Street’ explores memory and one of Delhi's most recognisable public spaces.

‘Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk’ follows the connection between filmmaker Sepideh Farsi and Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassouna through video calls and offers a perspective on life in Gaza.

‘Memories of a Window’ uses footage recorded by civilians during protests in Iran, while ‘Birds of War’ draws from personal archives documenting revolution, conflict and exile. ‘Globe’ focuses on tribal life in Attappady.

Festival begins on September 25

The 18th IDSFFK is scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram from September 25 to 30. The latest clarification from the I&B Ministry means the status of the 31 films remains part of an ongoing review rather than a final rejection.

The episode also comes a year after a similar clearance issue at the International Film Festival of Kerala, where 19 films initially faced exemption-related delays before permissions were subsequently granted for some of the titles.