IFFK backs down after Centre threat: three films pulled over ‘national security’ concerns

Initially, the Centre had objected to the screening of six films at the 30th edition of the festival — All That’s Left of You, Yes!, Eagles of the Republic, A Poet, Flames and Clash — asking the organisers to drop them from the lineup.

The organisers, however, defied the directive and went ahead with the screening of three films — Eagles of the Republic, A Poet and Flames.

In a fresh communication, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warned the organisers of legal action if the remaining films were screened.

Following the warning, the organisers decided to reverse their earlier stand. Resul Pookutty, chairperson of the state-run Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, said the decision was taken after the MEA stated that the screenings could pose a threat to the safety and security of the country.

“I made a decision to give in because we didn’t want to create an atmosphere of defiance. We didn’t want this to affect international relations,” Pookutty was quoted as saying by The News Minute.

The IFFK 2025 concludes on Friday.