The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy was already in the thick of action to plan for the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) when the unprecedented floods hit Kerala.
Earlier this month, the screening process of films had begun. But the floods had led to some kind of rethink on the kind of films that should be featured, with discussions centring on a shift to films on survival and the power of human spirit.
It was amid this that the General Administration Department of the State government issued an order to cancel all State-funded festivals, including the IFFK and the State School Arts Festival. All heads of departments were asked to remit the sums budgeted for the festivities in the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
The decision has kicked off a debate in the State with a considerable number supporting the government’s decision in the current circumstances and quite a few others wishing for the shows to go on, sans the grandeur.
Sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman says he was fully in support of the government decision, as the time was not right for any kind of celebration, even if it be of art.
‘A celebration’
“We don’t gain anything from cultural events in such circumstances. It would only be a waste of money, which can be used for other purposes at this time. If the argument is that it will bring positive energy to the people, there are other ways in which we can do it. These festivals are a celebration, whichever way you look at it. We don’t hold celebrations in a house where a death has happened. Now, Kerala society is facing such a scenario, where thousands are homeless and have lost all means of survival,” he says.
Filmmaker Sudevan, a regular at the festival, though begs to differ.
“The issue is that we are seeing this as a celebration. It should be seen as a platform for cultural exchange and intervention, and an agent of positive change. The festival itself could tell the stories of our flood and how we survived it. We could bring the issue to the world’s attention and even generate funding,” he said.
Filmmaker Bijukumar Damodaran suggested several steps to keep the IFFK running, from cutting down on all the big expenses and increasing the delegate fee. He said that ways to organise it without government funding can be explored.
Girija Chandran, secretary of the All Kerala Dance Teachers’ Organisation, said that the government should consider organising the State School Arts Festival at least as a small event.
“Many children have dedicated much of their time to prepare for these festivals. It would be unfair to deny them the opportunity. Quite a few people survive on the meagre amounts they make during the season. Our organisation is ready to extend all support to organise the festival in an economical manner,” she said.
Poet K.Stachidanandan though finds it hard to choose a side.
“It is hard to choose a side here. The government should probably think of a middle ground, rather than a blanket ban,” he said.
