{
  "id": 8866853,
  "title": "Kerala fest: Govt cites subject matter, says 31 films await further verification",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/kerala-fest-govt-cites-subject-matter-says-31-films-await-further",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T07:11:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-fest-govt-cites-subject-matter-says-31-films-await-further-verification-101789974698815.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Union information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry clarified on Monday that 31 films slated for screening at a five-day international film festival in Thiruvananthapuram, starting Friday, are awaiting \"further verification\" due to their subject matter. The I&B ministry official stated that these films have not been denied clearance, as they simply lack the necessary verification. The clarification came after Kerala culture minister PC Vishnunadh claimed that the I&B ministry had not provided reasons for denying screening permission to these 31 films at the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK). The films, which do not require a censor certificate since they are screened at non-commercial festivals, need the I&B ministry's permission. Vishnunadh mentioned that the Union government had requested detailed synopses for these films, which were sent the day after the minister's request. However, the I&B official acknowledged that as of Monday morning, they had not received responses from the three ministries: home, defence, and external affairs. Six of the 31 films were asked for more detailed synopses, and the I&B ministry added that the subject matter prompted further review. The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, which organizes IDSFFK, sought exemption from certification for 347 films, most of which have been approved. The remaining films will be cleared once the verification process concludes.",
  "summary": "Kerala minister PC Vishnunadh on Sunday said the I&B ministry has not stated reasons for denying screening permission",
  "key_points": [
    "31 films at IDSFFK await further verification due to subject matter",
    "Kerala culture minister PC Vishnunadh claims no denial of screening",
    "I&B ministry lacks responses from home, defence, and external affairs ministries"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}