The Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has rejected a request for a censor exemption on 31 films scheduled to be screened at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival Kerala (IDSFFK). The denied films comprise 18 of the festival’s officially selected works, nine entries in the International Non‑Fiction section, three winners, and one film from the Nepal Package.
Without the exemption, the films must obtain the standard certification process, which could lead to delays and uncertainty in the festival’s programme. Organisers of IDSFFK have voiced concerns that the move may affect the participation of international filmmakers and the overall appeal of the event.
The decision comes as the festival, typically held in Kerala, prepares to host a diverse array of short and documentary films from around the globe. Festival officials are seeking further clarification from the Ministry regarding the implications of the denial.
The news is significant for Kolkata’s film community, which closely follows developments in India’s film exhibition landscape, especially those affecting international festivals and the broader short‑film circuit.
