'Lack of...understanding': Kerala CM says Centre tried to 'stifle' IFFK
What's the story
The 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) concluded on a high note in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, after facing censorship issues over the past week. The festival was organized by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (KSCA) under the Department of Cultural Affairs. The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting initially denied a censor exemption to 19 films scheduled for screening. While the Centre later approved 13 films, six screenings were ultimately canceled.
Government response
CM Vijayan criticized Centre over censorship issues
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, absent from the December 12 opening, inaugurated the closing ceremony at Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. He criticized the central government, saying, "To them, the word 'beef' has only one meaning." "Actually, beef also means struggle...It reflects the Centre's lack of understanding of world cinema." "It was an attempt to stifle IFFK...I want to assert that IFFK is here to stay, and it will continue to do so by opposing anti-democratic, fascist moves against it," he said.
Statement
'Such incidents bring shame to our country...'
He further added, "Visa was denied for certain guests. They want to decide who attends the IFFK." "They insisted on political clearance. It is like saying, 'if we don't like something or someone, you also needn't see it.' Such incidents bring a lot of shame to our country in front of the world."
Award winners
'Two Seasons, Two Strangers', 'Before the Body' won top awards
The Best Film award at IFFK 2025 went to the Japanese film Two Seasons, Two Strangers. The Best Director award was won by Piazza and Bracelis for their Spanish film Before The Body. The Rajata Chakoram for Best Debut Director was awarded to Saumyananda Sahi and Tanushree Das for their Bengali film Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox). Tillottama Shome received a Special Jury Mention for Performance in Baksho Bondi.