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Film Festival Faces Screening Snag
21 Sep
Summary
- Union ministry reviews 31 films for International Documentary Festival.
- Kerala State Chalachitra Academy requests expedited clearance.
- MP Shashi Tharoor criticizes delays, citing freedom of expression.
The upcoming 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), scheduled for September 25 to 30 in Thiruvananthapuram, is facing uncertainty regarding the screening of 31 selected films. The Union information and broadcasting ministry has clarified that permission has not been denied but is reviewing the status of these films upon the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy's request.
The Academy had previously alerted the ministry that the lack of clearance for these 31 films, including Malayalam's "Globe," could impact the festival's operations. The ministry indicated that six films require more detailed synopses, while others are undergoing review by sectoral authorities based on their content. The Academy maintains that detailed synopses were already submitted with the initial applications.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly criticized the reported delays, expressing concern that such actions could damage India's global image among artists and filmmakers. He urged the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting to intervene, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of expression and the nation's tradition of supporting international cinema.
