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Context
Repressive mindsets rule in the CBFC and I&B ministry: That’s the message from IFFI’s refusal to screen ‘S Durga
What has happened?
I&B ministry during the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)refused to allow two films, S Durga and Nude, to be screened in the Indian Panorama section
Censored
Though the director of S Durgagot a directive from the Kerala High Court in favour of the film, and a new jury voted in favour of screening it, officials raised technical objections to deny it screen-space at the IFFI. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withdrew its earlier certificate to the film, and sought to re-examine it
Author’s views
The restrictive mindset revealed by the I&B ministry and the CBFC in denying an independent and acclaimed young film-maker an audience is quite appalling
- In this age of technology, it is absurd that the ministry and CBFC officials believe they can suppress a film by refusing it a censor’s certificate. The film has already been screened in several international and Indian festivals and many more are likely to watch it online
Pertinent questions
Author raises some important questions,
- How can a bureaucracy entrusted with the task of promoting cinema so zealously work to curb filmmakers?
- What has it gained by usurping the mandate of a jury and censoring the list of films?
