IFFK controversy: Dr Biju slams film academy chairman; Calls him a ‘Dummy’ and questions absence

Filmmaker Dr Biju has strongly criticised the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the state government over the controversy surrounding IFFK. The issue began after the Central Government denied screening permission to 19 films, including Palestinian films.

Taking to his Facebook handle, Dr Biju did not hold back and openly questioned how such a situation was allowed to happen during a major international film festival. For the unversed, the current chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy is Dr, Resul Pookutty.

‘Dummy chairman’ and absence at venue

Taking to Facebook, Dr Biju took a sharp dig at the academy chairman. The filmmaker called the Academy chairman a “dummy” and pointing out that he is not even present at the festival venue.

He said the chairman plays a key role in the smooth running of IFFK, yet is nowhere to be seen. Dr Biju also highlighted that this is the first time in the 30-year history of IFFK that the festival is being held without both an Academy chairman and an artistic director.

Questions on permission process

According to Dr Biju, the Academy should submit the list of films that need Central Government permission at least one month in advance. He said the first thing to be checked is whether the films were submitted on time and if there was any delay from the Central Government in granting approval.

He questioned why films were scheduled without receiving permission in the first place.

Dr Biju explains the usual system

In his Facebook post, Dr Biju wrote, “I see news reports saying that the Central Government has denied screening permission to 19 films at IFFK. There are protests and reactions happening. But what is behind this? What could be the reasons?” He added, “If foreign films have not been censored in India, they can be screened at the festival only after getting permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Central Government.

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Why this situation is unusual

Dr Biju further wrote, “No festival usually schedules films without permission. Scheduling films first and then suddenly having 19 films denied Central approval is highly unusual.” He questioned how such a serious lapse happened and said, “What exactly happened in this matter requires an authoritative answer.” Ending his statement, he asked, “Where has the Kerala International Film Festival reached in its 30th year?”According to the latest updates, CM Pinarayi Vijayan assures that all the denied films will be screened.