Minister for Culture P.C. Vishnunandh presenting the IDSFFK delegate kit to actor Shyam Mohan.
Minister for Culture P.C. Vishnunandh said that efforts are under way to secure screening clearance for all films selected for the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Keralam (IDSFFK). The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had denied censor exemption for a total of 31 films scheduled to be screened at the festival.
He was speaking here on Wednesday after inaugurating the distribution of delegate kits for the festival, which begins in Thiruvananthapuram on September 25.
“Out of approximately 1,800 submitted entries, 347 films were selected and forwarded for screening clearance following an extensive selection process. The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has indicated that some of the films awaiting approval require a further review. Steps are being taken to complete these procedures and ensure the screening of all selected films,” he said.
He inaugurated the event by handing over delegate kits to renowned actors Shyam Mohan and Parvathy R. Krishna. The Minister also inaugurated the festival office at Kairali Theatre.
Shyam Mohan, upon receiving the delegate kit, remarked that the festival has played a pivotal role in fostering an understanding of world cinema and nurturing a passion for the medium, adding that the increasing participation of young people is elevating the quality of cinema.
K. Inbasekar, Director of the Department of Culture, was present at the ceremony held at the Kairali Theatre portico. Academy Secretary-in-Charge Sajith C.C. and Deputy Director (Festival-in-Charge) N.P. Sajeesh participated in the event.
Organized by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, the IDSFFK will be held from September 25 to 30 at the Kairali, Sree, and Nila theatres in Thiruvananthapuram. Delegates can register via the website https://registration.iffk.in. The delegate fee is ₹590 (inclusive of GST) for the general category and ₹354 for students. Offline registration facilities are also available at the delegate cell set up at the Kairali theatre.
Published – September 23, 2026 08:54 pm IST
