Fri Dec 19 16:48:41 UTC 2025: News Article:

Kerala Film Festival Vows to Continue Despite Central Government Opposition

Thiruvananthapuram, December 19, 2025 – The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) concluded its 30th edition on Friday with a defiant vow to continue, despite facing significant obstacles from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, speaking at the closing ceremony, condemned the ministry’s denial of censor exemptions to 19 films, calling it an attack on freedom of expression driven by the Sangh Parivar’s ideology.

Vijayan criticized the central government’s decisions, citing the rejection of a Spanish film about a hip-hop musician due to a misunderstanding of the term “beef,” and the ban on Palestinian films, which he claimed contradicted India’s historical stance on Palestine within the Non-Aligned Movement. He asserted that the state government would resist such “autocratic steps aimed at destroying the IFFK” and had defied the ban by screening the films.

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the government’s commitment to screening all films. He acknowledged that the State Chalachitra Academy had been forced to withdraw six films due to the ministry’s threats of legal action under the Cinematograph Act 1952. Resul Pookutty, Chairman of the Academy, explained the withdrawal as a necessary step given the I&B ministry’s notice.

The closing ceremony also saw the presentation of the IFFK Best Film (audience poll) Award to director Unnikrishnan Avala and his team for “Thanthapperu – Life of a Phallus,” presented by Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian.

Cherian also reiterated the government’s stand in solidarity with the survivor in the 2017 actor abduction and rape case, promising action against those targeting female film figures who support her. The event was attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Resul Pookutty and Minister of General Education V. Sivankutty.

Despite the controversy, the IFFK remains a vital cultural event for Kerala, dedicated to showcasing diverse voices and resisting attempts to stifle artistic expression.

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