32nd Intnl Film Fest cancelled

The Indian Government has decided to cancel the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled for next month at Bangalore in view of increasing uncertainty on international participation in the wake of global fight against terrorism.

This decision was taken at a meeting of senior officials, chaired by Information & Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj. The ten-day event was to begin October 10.

An official release states that due consideration was also taken of the Karnataka Government's communication, regretting its ability to co-host the film festival on account of the severe drought conditions in the state. The Ministry stated "it cannot be insensitive to the unambiguous recommendation of the State government to cancel the Festival."

The Directorate of Film Festivals expressed concern over the increasing uncertainty of the extent of international participation in the Festival on account of the emerging situation in the region.

"The option of postponing the Festival was ruled out as the International Film Festivals have to conform to an international calendar approved by the International Federation of Film Producers' Association (FIAPF)," the release continues.

It was decided that the festival would be cancelled this year. The Ministry will explore the possibility of screening Indian Panorama films and foreign films already received at a more opportune time at other venues.

PTI