Wed Dec 24 19:08:25 UTC 2025: Summary:

The 2025 International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) faced unprecedented censorship from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which initially denied censor exemption to 19 out of 206 films. This action disrupted the festival’s scheduling and drew strong opposition. Among the films initially blocked were Palestinian films, the Soviet classic Battleship Potemkin, and Yes, directed by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid. The Kerala government initially defied the censorship, but eventually relented on six films after pressure from the Centre, who threatened the Chalachitra Academy with the Cinematograph Act, 1952. This event is viewed as an attack on one of the last remaining film festivals in India showcasing progressive and diverse films. Beyond film screenings, visa denials for international guests further hampered the festival, prompting strong condemnation from Kerala’s Chief Minister.

News Article:

Film Festival Faces Censorship Row

Thiruvananthapuram, December 25, 2025 – The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has been embroiled in a censorship controversy after the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting initially blocked the screening of 19 films slated for the festival. The unprecedented move, affecting both international and critically acclaimed films, sparked outrage and accusations of political interference.

Among the films initially denied censor exemption were several Palestinian productions, Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin, and Yes, directed by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid. Following protests, the Union Ministry relented on 13 films, but the remaining six remained banned. The situation escalated with the Kerala Culture Minister directing the State Chalachitra Academy to screen all films. However, after the Centre threatened the Academy with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Academy relented.

Critics have accused the Union government of attempting to stifle the IFFK, seen as one of the few remaining Indian film festivals showcasing progressive and diverse films, in contrast to the IFFI, which is increasingly platforms films palatable to the ruling party. The festival has been crucial to the rise of Malayalam cinema, providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase independent stories.

The controversy extends beyond film screenings, with reports of visa denials for international jury members and filmmakers. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the “anti-democratic and fascistic attempts” to shut down the IFFK, vowing to protect the festival as a space for cultural exchange and free expression. The future of the IFFK remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions between the state and central governments.

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