THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In protest against the apathy of the Film Censor Board regional office in the capital towards film-makers the film fraternity organised a convention at the main venue of this year’s IFFK, Tagore theatre, on Tuesday.
It was inaugurated by FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan. Representatives of FEFKA, Film Chamber and Producers Association who are attending the IFFK took part.
People from the producers’ side lamented the delay caused in getting a movie certified, at times it turned futile even after a day-long wait at the regional office. The participants from the directors’ side complained of the interventions made by the board in deciding the content of their movies. They wanted the freedom to showcase their ideas upon the directors and the rest be given for the audience to decide. Film-maker Kamal, who spoke on the occasion, mentioned certain ‘mandates’ placed by the board that often landed the movie makers in trouble. “For the portrayal of animals and birds, we are asked to present a certificate from their owners that they were hurt nowhere in the movie. If the animals created using visual-effects appear, that must be displayed. The same rule applies for for certain accidental appearance of animals in the scenes. They cannot understand from where and whom such certificates could be obtained,” said Kamal. Much indifference is shown by the censor board office in treating young film-makers and the experienced hands. “Young film-makers are made to stand in the office. In the case of experienced persons, a seat may be given,” Kamal said.