Procedural Lapses or Political Targeting? The IFFK Censorship Controversy

Deepika Suseelan, former artistic director of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), attributed the recent censorship controversy to procedural lapses by organizers, not political targeting. She emphasized proper protocol adherence over public outcry, warning that negligence could jeopardize future festival editions.

The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is embroiled in controversy as former artistic director Deepika Suseelan attributed the lack of censorship exemption for 15 films to procedural lapses by the organizers rather than alleged political targeting. Suseelan criticized the festival's organizers for diverting attention from protocol failures by framing the issue as politically motivated.

Suseelan, who headed the festival in 2022, highlighted the need for organizers to adhere to timelines and procedures required for obtaining censor exemptions. She emphasized that the necessary documents and applications should be submitted at least a month in advance, noting that the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy's (KSCA) delay led to the exemptions being initially denied.

The situation was exacerbated by the absence of the KSCA chairman during the event, which drew criticism from film directors and former officials. Despite the hurdles, Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has mandated that all scheduled films be screened, underscoring the importance of maintaining the festival's integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)