Centre denies screening of 19 Palestine- themed movies in IFFK

Thiruvananthapuram: The Union government’s refusal to grant censor exemptions has cast a political shadow over the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), with around 19 films, many linked to the Palestinian struggle, facing denial or delay in screening.

Organisers of IFFK 2025 said they are still awaiting clearance from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to screen several films, including Palestine-themed works, Sergei Eisenstein’s century-old classic Battleship Potemkin, and the film Beef, whose content bears no relation to its title. Discussions are reportedly ongoing with the ministry to secure permission.

In an official message, IFFK announced the cancellation of Battleship Potemkin, which was scheduled for screening at Sree Theatre on December 15 at 6.30 pm, adding that a revised schedule would be released later. The film, marking its 100th year, was included in the Restored Classics section and is widely regarded as one of the most influential works in cinema history, symbolising collective resistance through its portrayal of the 1905 sailors’ mutiny.

Another casualty of the Centre’s decision is All That’s Left of You, a film set against the backdrop of the First Intifada. The narrative centres on a young Palestinian boy killed during a protest in 1988, with the story later revisited through his mother’s testimony decades later. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and was Jordan’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards.

Also awaiting approval is Beef, a film following a young woman in Barcelona who turns to freestyle rap to confront grief, discrimination, and gender barriers after her father’s death.

Festival sources said applications for censor exemptions were submitted well in advance, but approvals have not been forthcoming, raising concerns over political interference and restrictions on artistic expression. The situation has triggered criticism, particularly as IFFK has long been known for showcasing politically engaged and socially conscious cinema.

The 30th edition of IFFK was inaugurated on December 12 by State Culture Minister Saji Cherian, in the presence of filmmakers and delegates from across the world. However, the Centre’s stance on the screenings has now placed the festival at the centre of a wider debate on censorship, free expression, and India’s political position on Palestine.