The prestigious International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has granted official clearance for the public screening of four select films, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development comes amidst a backdrop of numerous submissions awaiting approval from the festival's selection and regulatory committees.
Which Films Received the Green Light?
Out of a total of 19 films that were pending clearance, only a quartet has successfully navigated the permissions process as of now. The films that have been granted the coveted permission for screening at the festival are:
- Beef
- Eagles of The Republic
- Heart of The Wolf
- Once Upon A Time In Gaza
The inclusion of Once Upon A Time In Gaza is particularly notable, given the current global focus on the region. The sources confirmed this information on 16 December 2025.
The Context of Film Selection and Clearance
Film festivals like the IFFK often have rigorous selection criteria, involving artistic merit, thematic relevance, and adherence to local guidelines. The fact that four out of nineteen films have been cleared indicates a selective process. The status of the remaining 15 films is not immediately clear—whether they are under review, require edits, or have been declined permission.
This clearance is a critical final step before these cinematic works can be presented to the festival's audience, comprising cinephiles, critics, and industry professionals from across India and the world.
Significance for the Festival and Indian Cinema
The IFFK is a cornerstone event in India's cultural calendar, especially for lovers of world and parallel cinema. The clearance of these four films sets the stage for diverse narratives to be shared. It highlights the festival's role as a platform for bold and contemporary storytelling, even when dealing with complex geopolitical subjects, as suggested by the title Once Upon A Time In Gaza.
For the filmmakers, this permission is a significant achievement, offering their work visibility and critical engagement at one of the country's most respected film forums. The festival is scheduled to proceed with its planned events, now featuring these newly cleared entries in its official lineup.
