Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to go ahead with the screening of all 19 films barred by the Union government at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), openly defying the Centre’s directive. State Minister for Culture Saji Cherian said the cancelled films will be screened under the initiative of the Kerala government itself.
Terming the Union government’s move as an act of censorship and curtailment of artistic freedom, Cherian said Kerala would not compromise on its long-standing tradition of promoting free expression and cinema that encourages debate and diversity of thought. “IFFK is a platform for creative freedom. We will ensure that all films denied permission by the Centre reach the audience,” the minister said.
The Centre had reportedly blocked the screening of 19 films at IFFK citing various objections, triggering widespread criticism from filmmakers, cultural activists and film enthusiasts. The state government’s decision has now turned the issue into a major Centre–State confrontation, with Kerala positioning itself as a defender of artistic rights.
IFFK, one of India’s most prominent international film festivals, has historically showcased bold and socially relevant cinema from across the world. The Kerala government’s move to screen the banned films is being seen as a strong political and cultural statement against what it describes as growing intolerance towards dissent and creative expression.
The decision has drawn national attention, with filmmakers and cultural bodies welcoming Kerala’s stand, while escalating tensions between the state and the Union government over control and censorship in cultural spaces.
