IIIT-H Distances Itself From Cancelled Screening of Umar Khalid Documentary
Screening of uncertified documentary on Umar Khalid at IIIT-H cancelled after CBFC objected, citing violation of Cinematograph Act
The proposed screening of the documentary ‘Prisoner No. 626710 is Present’ at the International Institute of Information Technology-Hyderabad (IIIT-H) has been cancelled after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) objected to the proposed public screening of an uncertified film.
The screening was scheduled for September 18 at 8 pm at the KRB Auditorium on the IIIT-H campus in connection with Political Prisoners’ Day. Yhe institute clarified that it had neither organised nor hosted the event and that it was being organised unofficially by a small group of student activists.
A person associated with the event clarified that the screening was “not representative of the institute’s stance on the matter”, while confirming that it had subsequently been cancelled.
Upon reaching out, IIIT-H said neither the institute nor any of its recognised student clubs, cells or organisations had organised or hosted any screening of a film uncertified by the CBFC. “The institute has established processes governing official events and activities on campus and that attributing an unauthorised or unrelated activity to the institute or its recognised student bodies would be factually incorrect,” they told Deccan Chronicle.
The institute clarified that its large and diverse student community includes students and faculty who may, in their individual capacities, meet or interact with people. “Such personal interactions or visits, where they occur, should not be construed as institute-organised events or as representing the institute’s views or activities,” the institute said.
The CBFC had raised the issue after details of the proposed screening circulated. In its communication, the board said public screening of a documentary that had not been certified by it would violate the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption had been obtained. It also said IIIT-H authorities could take note of the matter for necessary action.
‘Prisoner No. 626710 is Present’, directed by filmmaker Lalit Vachani, concerns former Jawaharlal Nehru University student activist Umar Khalid and his continued incarceration. The proposed screening was linked to Political Prisoners’ Day.
