18th IDSFFK begins under a cloud of censorship

The 18th edition of the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Keralam got under way here on Friday under a cloud of censorship as uncertainty remained over the 31 films for which the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has denied censor exemption. Inaugurating the festival at the Kairali theatre in the capital, Minister for Cultural Affairs P.C. Vishnunadh said that the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy is making all possible efforts, including legal measures, to secure permission for screening.

The screening schedule for the festival, which has been released, now has omitted the 31 films, with the academy planning to update the schedule if permission is secured. According to sources, the Union I&B Ministry has forwarded some of the films for approval to the Defence Ministry, while some have been sent to the External Affairs Ministry.