An attack on progressive cinema, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denied censor exemption to 19 films slated for screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
• The Kerala government initially ordered the State Chalachitra Academy to screen all films, but later appeared to step back from screening six films.
• Films denied screening included Palestinian films, Battleship Potemkin, and Yes, directed by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Union government's actions and affirmed the IFFK's continuation.

Detailed Insights:

• Censor exemption is typically a formality for film festivals, but this year's denial was unprecedented, disrupting the festival schedule.
• The decision to deny screening to certain films is viewed as an attempt to disrupt and destroy the IFFK, one of the few remaining platforms for progressive cinema.
• The State Chalachitra Academy's chairperson, Resul Pookutty, faced criticism for suggesting the academy didn't want to jeopardize international relations.
• The IFFI, organized by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, has been platforming films such as The Kerala Story, while allegedly ignoring independent films.
• The IFFK has played a crucial role in the ascendancy of Malayalam cinema, serving as a nurturing ground for filmmakers.
• Besides film screenings, a jury member from Azerbaijan and a Turkish filmmaker were denied visas to attend the IFFK.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Censor Exemption: Permission from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting allowing films to be screened at festivals without a censor certificate.
• Progressive Cinema: Films that showcase novel themes and stark realities of society, often challenging mainstream narratives.
• Cinematograph Act, 1952: Indian legislation regulating film certification and exhibition.