Soon after seven films were announced for screening at the 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) this year, Ennu Ninte Moideen, directed by R.S. Vimal has backed out from the ‘Malayalam Cinema Today’ section.
Vimal decided to withdraw the film from the international festival as it was not considered to be screened in the competition category. The director spoke to Onmanorama on what prompted him to take the extreme step.
Why did you go for such an extreme step?
I decided to withdraw my film from the festival in order to register my dissent with the pundits of Chalachitra Akademy. I’m' going to convey it officially now. If Moideen is screened at IFFK, it must be in the competition category. By the time the festival is held in December, most of the people would have already watched the film in theatres. I don't think there is a need to screen the film in 'Malayalam Cinema Today' category. I did not make the film eying a slot in the IFFK.
Do you think there is any hidden agenda behind the academy's move?
I don't know. But I was shocked to hear the news. I sent the film to the committee after I received a directive from them to do so. Then they went for such a move. It must be discussed and protested.
Could the religious intolerance discussed in the film be a reason for removing it from competition category?
Their reply was that there are more films to be considered for competition category. However, I have not received any explanation in this regard, not even an e-mail. The rush in the cinemas prove that the people have approved the love between Kanchana and Moideen. Yet, the selection committee has such narrow-minded attitude. It is high time such attitude is changed.
Do you think the film would have been accepted more had it been made in another language?
The approach towards the film would have been better if it was made in any other lanuage. Everybody is aware about the tragic love story of Moideen and Kanchanamala. Still, there is a heavy rush in theatres. The audience have accepted what I tried to tell them. Today, a teacher called me and said the film reminded her of her lost love.
I didn't withdraw the film due to my arrogance. I'm sure the film is worth competing with world films.