Daily Updates

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan delivered a firm message on creative freedom at the closing ceremony of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala, held at Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, 19 December 2025. Speaking to the assembled audience, he asserted that any attempt to stifle freedom of expression would not be tolerated, signalling a strong stance against censorship and restrictions on artistic voice.

Referring to the recent decision by the Central Government to deny censorship exemptions to 19 films scheduled for screening at the festival, Vijayan condemned the move as deliberate and authoritarian rather than a mere administrative oversight. The cancellation of the Palestine package, he argued, laid bare the government’s stance on the region, while the banning of a Spanish film titled Beef underscored a narrow and literalist reading of content. He also protested the prohibition on screening the cinematic classic Battleship Potemkin and expressed concern over restrictions on the participation of foreign filmmakers.

“The IFFK has upheld its clear politics for three decades; hence, it continues to remain one of the finest film festivals in the country,” Vijayan said. “The festival has consistently prioritised films from Third World countries, and Afro-Asian and Latin American cinema.” Highlighting the festival’s progressive ethos, he noted that Palestine 36 was chosen as the opening film in solidarity with Palestine, while African filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall was awarded the “Spirit of Cinema” award in recognition of the struggles of Black communities.

The ceremony was presided over by Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan, with Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Dr. Resul Pookutty delivering the introductory address. Eminent filmmaker Saeed Akhtar Mirza, chairman of the K. R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, was honoured for his 50-year contribution to cinema, and renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, chairperson of the International Jury, was also felicitated.

The event also saw the presentation of the Theatre Awards and Media Awards, acknowledging outstanding contributions in arts reporting and coverage. Ministers V. Sivankutty, K. N. Balagopal, and G. R. Anil; MLA V. K. Prasanth; and senior officials including Dr. Divya S. Iyer, C. Ajoy, Cuckoo Parameswaran, K. Madhu, Madhupal, and Santhosh Keezhattoor were among those in attendance.

The closing ceremony concluded with the screening of the Suvarna Chakoram-winning film Two Seasons, Two Strangers and the feature Sirat, bringing the landmark 30th edition of IFFK to a fitting and memorable close.