The 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), a much-loved annual event in Thiruvananthapuram, has hit an unexpected roadblock. Nineteen films that audiences were eagerly waiting to watch have been pulled from the schedule, as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has not yet issued the required censor exemption certificates.
Among the films on hold are Palestine-themed stories such as Palestine 36, Once Upon a Time in Gaza, and All That’s Left of You. Also affected is Sergei Eisenstein’s iconic Battleship Potemkin, a 100-year-old masterpiece that has inspired generations of filmmakers. Other international titles, including the Spanish drama Beef, are also delayed.
For film lovers and festival-goers, the cancellations are a disappointment. Organisers said the sudden gaps in the schedule have left audiences and delegates frustrated, as some of these films were highlights of the festival lineup. “We are in continuous discussions with the ministry to secure the approvals,” a festival spokesperson said, expressing hope that screenings could resume soon.
The decision has sparked concern among filmmakers and cultural figures. Veteran director Adoor Gopalakrishnan described the situation as “confusing,” pointing out that audiences are missing out on films that matter—both historically and politically. Many see this as part of a wider conversation about artistic freedom and the challenges of showcasing international cinema in India.
For festival-goers, IFFK is more than a series of screenings, it is a chance to experience stories from around the world, connect with filmmakers, and discuss pressing social issues through cinema. The delay has underscored how government procedures can ripple through cultural spaces, affecting both creators and viewers.
Organisers remain hopeful that once approvals come through, audiences will once again get to enjoy the full diversity of films, from classics like Battleship Potemkin to contemporary stories from Palestine and beyond. Until then, festival-goers wait, eager for the stories they came to see.
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