THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Well known film editor, director and chairperson of Kerala film academy Benna Paul has said that the ongoing row over IFFK is baseless. “As of now, four venues are decided considering the pandemic situation in the state. It is a misunderstanding that the permanent venue is changed. If that is to be done then various laws in this regard needs to be amended,” she said.

The editor-turned-director also said that as a peculiar situation exists in the state, due to the pandemic. Therefore, a special nod was taken for the additional screening. Apart from Thiruvananthapuram, nod for special screening was given in Ernakulam, Palakkad and Thalassery. She also added that the festival’s venue cannot be shifted from Thiruvananthapuram. The film festival is being undertaken as per international standards and it is divided into four venues only due to the pandemic situation in the state and it will be a temporary arrangement.

Shashi Tharoor MP has earlier alleged that there is a conspiracy behind the move to shift the venue of IFFK from Thiruvanathapuram, where it was going on for decades. Tharoor has condemned the chief minister’s move to shift the venue, through his Facebook post. Sabarinathan MLA has also opposed the decision to shift the venue. Meanwhile, CPM district secretary Anavoor Nagappan opined that the row over IFFK venue is a baseless one.