Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Academy Seeks Reconsideration Over IDSFFK Film Screening Status
An academy has asked officials to reconsider the status of 31 films at a film festival in Kerala.
The government says the films have not been rejected.
Some films can be shown even without certification from the Central Board of Film Certification.
However, festival organizers must first ask the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for permission.
They may need to provide documents such as film summaries.
Films about sensitive defence or foreign-affairs issues may receive extra review.
Those reviews may involve the Defence Ministry or the Ministry of External Affairs.
The approval process is still continuing.
The academy has sought reconsideration over the screening status of 31 films selected for IDSFFK.
The Centre rejected the claim that the 31 films were denied screening permission.
Government sources said films without Central Board of Film Certification approval may still be screened under an exemption provision.
Organizers must seek approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and submit documents such as synopses.
Films involving contentious Defence or external-affairs subjects may be referred to the relevant ministries before screening.
- Who
- The academy, the Centre, festival organizers, and relevant government ministries.
- What
- A dispute over whether 31 films selected for IDSFFK have been denied screening permission.
- When
- Ahead of the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala; the approval process is ongoing.
- Where
- Kerala, India.
- Why
- The films require approval under an exemption process when they lack Central Board of Film Certification certification, with sensitive subjects potentially requiring additional ministry review.
Academy's Concern
Centre's Position
Status of 31 films
Academy's Concern
The academy has sought reconsideration over the screening status of 31 films selected for the festival.
Centre's Position
The Centre rejected the claim that the 31 films had been denied screening permission.
Certification and approval
Academy's Concern
The academy's request indicates concern about whether the films can be screened at the festival.
Centre's Position
The government said films without Central Board of Film Certification certification can still be screened through an exemption process, subject to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approval.
- Festival
- 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala
- Films concerned
- 31 selected films
- Government position
- The films have not been denied screening permission
- Certification issue
- Films without Central Board of Film Certification approval may be screened under an exemption provision
- Required approval
- Approval must be sought from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Supporting documents
- Organizers may need to submit documents such as synopses
- Additional review
- Defence- or external-affairs-related subjects may be referred to the relevant ministries