Union I&B Ministry clears 23 of the 31 films initially kept out of the 18th IDSFFK
26 September 2026
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday, 26 September 2026, granted permission to 23 of the 31 films initially denied clearance for the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK).
The 31 short films and documentaries had not received exemption from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearance.
Screenings of the cleared films begin on Sunday, 27 September, at Kairali, Sree and Nila theatres in Thiruvananthapuram.
Organisers said it was the first time since the festival began in 2008 that so many selected films were dropped over clearance issues.
The News Minute reported that eight films still awaited approval.
At the 2025 International Film Festival of Kerala, 19 films were denied and 13 were later allowed after the Kerala government wrote to the Union Government.
In plain words
CBFC Central Board of Film Certification — The statutory body under the I&B Ministry that certifies films for public exhibition.
Censor exemption — Permission to screen an uncertified film at a festival without CBFC certification.