In a bold move highlighting federal tensions, the Kerala government has announced it will proceed with screening all selected films at the upcoming International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in February 2025. This decision comes despite a significant delay by the central government's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in granting the necessary censor exemptions.
Government Takes a Stand Against Central Delay
The state's Cultural Affairs Minister, Saji Cheriyan, made the decisive announcement, framing it as a matter of artistic freedom and the festival's prestige. The government had applied for the mandatory "Censor Exemption Certificate" from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) well in advance, as is the standard procedure for film festivals. However, with the festival dates fast approaching and no clearance received from New Delhi, the state cabinet chose to take matters into its own hands.
The 29th edition of IFFK is scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram from February 7 to February 14, 2025. The festival is a flagship cultural event for the state, attracting cinephiles and filmmakers from across India and the world. The government's stance underscores its commitment to ensuring the event proceeds as planned, without last-minute disruptions or a scaled-down lineup.
Navigating the Legal and Administrative Landscape
This move places the Kerala government in a complex legal and administrative position. Typically, public exhibition of any film in India requires certification from the CBFC. Film festivals operate under a special exemption, but this exemption must be formally granted by the central ministry. By deciding to screen films without this central clearance, the state is effectively challenging the established protocol.
Minister Cheriyan expressed the government's rationale clearly. He stated that the continued delay from the Centre left them with no other choice if they were to uphold the integrity and international reputation of IFFK. The decision was taken to avoid disappointing the thousands of delegates and participants who eagerly await the festival each year.
The films in question, which have not been publicly named in the context of the clearance delay, are part of a curated selection for competitive and non-competitive sections. The festival is known for showcasing a diverse array of world cinema, including independent films and documentaries that often explore nuanced themes.
Implications for Federal Cultural Policy
This development is more than a logistical hiccup; it touches upon the ongoing debate about cultural autonomy and the powers of state governments in organizing artistic events. Kerala has a long history of robust cultural policy, and IFFK is a cornerstone of that identity. The state's proactive step signals a willingness to assert its authority in the cultural domain, potentially setting a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
The ball is now in the central government's court. It can choose to expedite the clearance process before the festival begins, ignore the state's decision, or potentially escalate the matter. The film fraternity and cultural observers will be watching closely to see how this standoff resolves.
For now, the Chalachitra Academy, the organizing body of IFFK, is moving forward with full preparations. The message from Thiruvananthapuram is clear: the show will go on. This episode ensures that the 2025 edition of IFFK will be remembered not just for its films, but for the political and cultural statement that made their screening possible.
