IFFK concludes amid censorship row as CM slams Centre over film clearances

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday strongly criticised the Centre for denying censorship clearance to films proposed for screening at the 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), describing the move as “disgraceful” and politically motivated.

Speaking at the festival’s closing ceremony, CM said one of the films initially denied clearance was The Beef, which he described as a film about hip-hop music. “They mistook it for something else. It reflects the Centre’s ignorance of world cinema, which is shameful,” the Chief Minister said.

According to CM, 19 films were initially denied censorship clearance by the Centre. While 12 were later approved, screenings of six films had to be cancelled following a directive from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Rejecting suggestions that the issue was the result of bureaucratic oversight, he said the decision amounted to an attack on artistic freedom. “It was politically motivated and an intrusion into freedom of expression. Anti-democratic, fascist steps will be opposed; that is why we decided to screen films which did not receive clearance from the Centre. We chose to stand by the rights of the delegates,” he said.

The Chief Minister also alleged wider interference in the festival, claiming visas were denied to certain guests. “They want to decide who attends the IFFK. They insisted on political clearance. It is like saying, if they don’t like something or someone, you also need not see it,” he added.

Calling for the protection of cultural spaces from communal forces, he said such interventions threatened the democratic ethos of the arts. Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian echoed the sentiment, reiterating that the state government would continue to challenge the Centre’s decision.

The closing ceremony was held on Friday evening at the Nishagandhi Open Air Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. CM inaugurated the event, which was presided over by Cherian.

The ceremony also paid tribute to cinema veterans. Filmmaker Saeed Mirza was felicitated for his five decades of contribution to Indian cinema. Global cinema was highlighted with honours for Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and jury chairperson Mohammed Rasool.

Major awards, including the Suvarna Chakoram for Best Film, as well as the Audience, Theatre and Media Awards, were presented during the event.