Documentary ‘Kisan Satyagraha’ barred from Bengaluru Film Fest

Unsurprisingly, ‘Kisan Satyagraha’, a documentary on the 2020-21 farmers’ protests in Delhi, has been barred from screening at the ongoing 15th edition of Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes) following “instructions” from the Union information and broadcasting ministry (MEITY). The documentary is directed by acclaimed Kannada director Kesari Haravoo .

According to government officials, the screening of the documentary was not permitted because of its sensitive subject. What is sensitive is of course not known. It is also not explained as to what is “sensitive” about a film that genuinely reflects farmer’s anger against the three unjust farm laws that were later withdrawn even by the union government.

“All the movies to be screened are cleared by the I&B ministry. However, the ministry did not give a green signal to ‘Kisan Satyagraha’… The Central authorities have told us that the matter pictured in the documentary is a sensitive subject and hence it should be withheld from being screened at the film festival. Following the instructions, we have withdrawn the screening of ‘Kisan Satyagraha’. Otherwise, it should have been scheduled for screening on Friday,” said G Himanth Raju, registrar, Karnataka Chalanchithra Academy.

Two other documentaries – one on Israel and the other on Ukraine (20 days in Mariupol) – have also not been given permission to be screened.

‘Kisan Satyagraha’ captures the stir seeking repeal of three farm laws. It has been screened at four international film festivals. It won the best documentary award at the White Unicorn Film Festival.

This article was first published on SabrangIndia.