Story perspectives

Kerala Cancels Film Screenings Amid Censorship Controversy

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy canceled six screenings at IFFK after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denied censorship exemptions.
The academy initially resisted but complied after directives from the Chief Secretary.
The canceled films include works from Indonesia, Egypt, and Palestine.
Resul Pookutty, the academy chairman, said the denial stems from India’s foreign policy.
Critics say the move reflects a broader trend of cultural censorship against pro-Palestine expressions.

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Story summary

The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy canceled six screenings at IFFK after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denied censorship exemptions.
The academy initially resisted but complied after directives from the Chief Secretary.
The canceled films include works from Indonesia, Egypt, and Palestine.
Resul Pookutty, the academy chairman, said the denial stems from India’s foreign policy.
Critics say the move reflects a broader trend of cultural censorship against pro-Palestine expressions.