Kerala defies Centre, orders unhindered IFFK screenings

Saji Cherian accused the I&B Ministry of being hostile to Kerala's progressive art and culture tradition

- HD Bureau

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian directed the State Chalachitra Academy on Tuesday to proceed with all scheduled screenings at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala, including 15 films for which censor exemption from the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry remains pending, escalating a confrontation over artistic freedom and federal authority.

The directive, issued hours before evening screenings were to begin across festival venues in Thiruvananthapuram, instructed organisers to adhere to the published programme without alteration.

Festival officials were told to ensure that audiences and filmmakers were not penalised by what the minister described as administrative delays beyond the state's control.