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CBFC Intervenes in Umar Khalid Documentary Screening
Developing
In Short: The Central Board of Film Certification has halted a planned screening of an uncertified documentary about jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, citing film exhibition regulations.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has intervened in a proposed screening of an uncertified documentary about jailed activist Umar Khalid at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT-Hyderabad), raising concerns about film exhibition regulations and student activism on campus.
According to reports, the CBFC flagged the proposed screening, stating that public exhibition of an uncertified film would violate the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption had been obtained.
IIIT-Hyderabad authorities have distanced themselves from the proposed screening, with the institute stating that neither it nor any of its recognized student bodies had organized or hosted the event.
The student committee behind the screening initially postponed the program citing logistical and security considerations, while maintaining that the screening would be held later in the trimester.
The CBFC's intervention follows a similar postponement of a planned screening at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, after objections were raised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which claimed that allowing the screening would amount to using the campus for political propaganda.
What's confirmed
- Sources said the students have now decided to cancel the screening.
- The student committee subsequently postponed the programme citing "logistical and security considerations", while maintaining that it was not backing out because of pressure and that the screening would be held later in the trimester.
- The invitation for the proposed IIIT-Hyderabad screening said it was planned on the occasion of "Political Prisoners' Day".
- The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Thursday flagged the proposed screening of a documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, saying public exhibition of an uncertified film would violate the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption had been obtained.
What's still developing
- Tagging IIIT-Hyderabad, it said the institute's authorities "may take note for necessary action".
- The CBFC functions under the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Sources
- Redifflink