Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched a scathing attack on the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, accusing it of attempting to undermine the three-decade legacy of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). The criticism came during the closing ceremony of the 30th IFFK at Nishagandhi in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.
A Clash Over Censorship and Artistic Freedom
Vijayan labelled the Central Government's denial of censor exemption for films screened at the festival as "laughable" and an "act of fascism." He revealed that the Centre initially refused permission to screen 19 films, forcing organisers to cancel around ten on the very first day. Vijayan asserted that this move was a direct encroachment on the freedom of expression.
"After the state government protested, the Centre gave its nod for only 13 of the blocked films," the Chief Minister stated. He framed the actions of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as the "Sanghi Parivar's last attempt to suppress diverse voices and art." As a pointed example, he questioned the logic behind blocking the film titled 'Beef'.
Vijayan explained that the film has no connection to food but is about Spanish hip-hop culture, where 'beef' signifies agitation or revolt. "For them, beef has only one meaning. It is laughable that the Centre thought the movie was about beef and tried to suppress it," he remarked.
Ignorance of World Cinema and Visa Hurdles
The Chief Minister also cited the denial of permission to screen the cinematic classic 'Battleship Potemkin' as a prime example of the administrative system's ignorance of world cinema. Furthermore, he accused the Centre of interfering in the festival's guest list by creating hassles through changes in visa norms for international delegates.
Vijayan emphasised that the Kerala government was aware of the Centre's intentions and took a clear, defiant stand. "The move to screen all films, in spite of the ban, showed this stand. IFFK won't bend before anyone," he declared, underscoring the festival's commitment to artistic independence.
African Filmmaker Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
The ceremony also saw Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako receiving the IFFK Lifetime Achievement Award from Chief Minister Vijayan. An emotional Sissako stated that the award was not just for him but for the entire African continent.
"This is a great moment in my life. Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram are places filled with love. I have a long-standing connection with Kerala through cinema. Shaji N Karun is like a brother to me. He introduced me to Kerala," Sissako said, remembering the acclaimed Indian filmmaker.
He highlighted the broad cultural relationship between India and Africa, expressing pride in receiving the honour as an African filmmaker. The award includes a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a sculpture, and a certificate. This year's IFFK showcased a retrospective of Sissako's celebrated works, including:
- 'Life on Earth' (1997)
- 'Waiting for Happiness' (2002) – Winner in the 'Un Certain Regard' section at Cannes
- 'Bamako' (2006)
- 'Timbuktu' (2014) – Nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes and Mauritania's Oscar entry
- 'Black Tea' – Selected for competition at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival
