THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Cocking a snook at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s ban on the screening of three documentaries at the 10th IDSFFK, the SFI screened one of the films - ‘In the Shade of Fallen Chinar’ - at the University College on Tuesday.
Though the movie had nothing seriously objectionable, the ban had triggered protests from the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and evoked media attention. The academy had sent the uncensored films shortlisted for the festival to the ministry. But three movies were denied permission.
‘March March March’ based on the students’ strike at the JNU and directed by Kathu Lukose, ‘In the shade of Fallen Chinar’ by N C Fazil and Shaw Sebastian and ‘The Unbearable Being of Lightness’ on Rohit Vemula of Hyderabad Central University by P N Ramachandran were denied entry.
Inaugurating the screening of the movie, filmmaker Vidhu Vincent said the breach of law being held at the University College was the beginning of the fight for a pluralistic society.
“It is through our lack of political vigil and complacency that fascist forces enforce the ban on artistic expression. Our lack of political vigil paved the way for the Sangh Parivar forces. They occupied the space of Left forces and placed themselves on the forefront of the fight for environment protection and land in Aranmula and Athirappally.,” she said.