IFFK 2025: Kerala’s cultural minister makes it compulsory to screen all movies banned by the Centre

Saji Cherian, Cultural Affairs Minister of Kerala, advised the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on Tuesday (December 16) to proceed with the screening of all the films that are part of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

This includes 15 documentaries waiting for censor clearance from the union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B).  The Minister has made a strong statement against the Union government, as it was adversely affecting Kerala’s progressive cultural tradition.

“This is anti-democratic,” he said. “Anything that tries to meddle with the arts and the spirit of the festival will have strong opposition."

"We can't accept an approach which harms our tradition and progress of IFFK." "The State government will not back down from any attacks on artistic freedom," Cherian stated.

The Minister further stated that all 19 movies that were at first denied Central approval have since been identified and well-received by audiences across the globe. He stated that festival delegates had a valid cause to watch the movies since the movie titles were contained in the festival schedule and catalog sent out in advance.

The Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, also expressed his condemnation regarding the judgment made by the Union government. In his statement, he mentioned that the restrictions imposed on celebrating the festival resulted in authoritarian traits to suppress diverse voices of creativity. "Kerala won't give in to such censorship," declared the Chief Minister. "Every movie that has not got permission to be exhibited is all set to be exhibited at IFFK," further added Pinarayi Vijayan.

The festival that has been an annual event for the last 30 years faced its worst crisis ever when the censor exemption was denied. Several politicians and artists expressed their outrage against the Centre's decision that is seen as an attack on the freedom of speech. On Monday night, there were protests at the Tagore Theatre, which is the principal venue of the event. The protest was carried out by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).

Partial Approval Given.

The I&B Ministry gave the green light to five of the 19 movies rather early today, however. Some of the movies which were given the green light include Beef, Eagles of the Republic, Heart of the Wolf, Yes, and Once Upon a Time in Gaza.

Yet there are some popular films that are banned as well. These Palestinian films are “Palestine 36” and “All That’s Left of You.” Another example of a classic film banned by the country’s Ministry of Information is “Battleship Potemkin.” This is actually a very well-known classic film directed by Sergei Eisenstein and released in 1925 during the Soviet era and is actually known as a landmark in the field of cinema.

 Also banned are films such as “Santosh.”

“Timbuktu,” “Bamako,” directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, are also included in this list. This time, Sissako will be bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFK this year. “Bamako” examines the impact of international economic bodies such as IMF and World Bank on economic conditions in Africa.

Some of the films prohibited include the Egyptian drama film "Clash," the Argentine film "Hour of the Furnaces," which had been held at previous editions of the film festival. Other films yet to receive certification include "Red Rain," "Riverstone," "Tunnels: Sun in the Dark," and "Flames." Despite this ongoing standoff, the organizers of the festivals announced that movie shows are to take place as usual, in obedience to an order by the State government.