IFFK Fiasco: Former Director Blames Organisational Lapses Over Censorship Row

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The 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has been marred by a controversy over censorship exemptions for 15 films. However, a former artistic director of the festival, Deepika Suseelan, has shed light on what she believes is the real issue behind the fiasco. Suseelan, who directed the 27th IFFK in 2022, pointed out that the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (KSCA) had failed to follow due process in submitting the applications for censorship exemptions. According to her, the process requires a minimum of one month, and the list of films with synopses and other documents should be submitted at least by the first week of November. In this case, the KSCA submitted the application only in December, which led to the denial of exemptions by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Suseelan questioned the intention behind the organisers opting for public outrage over the issue, rather than sticking to procedures. She warned that the Academy's mishandling of the situation endangers the future of IFFK, inviting heightened scrutiny, tighter controls, and avoidable complications for future submissions, screenings, and participation of international filmmakers. The controversy has also raised eyebrows over the absence of the KSCA chairman, Resul Pookutty, who was unable to attend the event due to prior commitments abroad. Noted film directors have expressed disappointment over the situation, with Kamal saying that it was avoidable and Dr Biju stating that it was the first time an IFFK was held without the chairman or an artistic director. The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has directed the KSCA to screen all the films scheduled for the festival, but the damage caused by the controversy may not be easy to undo, according to Suseelan.