THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major setback to film enthusiasts, the Central government has denied permission to screen three politically sensitive documentaries featuring the stories of Rohit Vemula, JNU students stir and on the Kashmir issue at the 10th International Short Film and Documentary fest to be held here from June 16.
Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal alleged the Central government has imposed a cultural emergency on the country. Kamal, along with vice-chairperson Beena Paul and others, told reporters special sanction was sought from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to screen uncensored films in the festivals.
“This time too, the list of uncensored films, including the three films, had been sent to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for clearance. But permission was denied to them. Once again a request has been sent to review the decision,” Kamal said.
P N Ramachandra has directed the film on Rohit Vemula, the Hyderabad Central University student who committed suicide; Kathu Lukose directed the film ‘March..March..March’ on the students’ stir at JNU, while N C Fazil and Shaan Sebastian have directed ‘In the Shade of Fallen Chinar.’