At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received the Palme d’Or for his film It Was Just an Accident, which explores significant social themes through compelling storytelling.

The previous year, Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig won five awards at the same festival. Both filmmakers have faced legal challenges in Iran, yet their work has been widely recognised and celebrated on the international stage.

This contrast between acclaim abroad and obstacles at home is not unique to Iran.

In India, filmmakers tackling sensitive social issues often encounter hurdles from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

For example, Sandhya Suri’s Santosh (2024), screened in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, has not yet been released in India.

The CBFC raised concerns about the film’s portrayal of caste, police conduct, and gender-related issues, resulting in delays in its home market.

Similar challenges have affected other films. Honey Trehan’s Punjab 95, starring Diljit Dosanjh as human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has faced scrutiny and demands for cuts from the CBFC.

The board requested the removal of certain dialogues and references, particularly those addressing sensitive social topics.

Punjab 95 was scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in July 2023 but was subsequently withdrawn from the festival’s programme.

Likewise, Ananth Mahadevan’s Phule, a film about social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, has been subject to demands for modifications, especially regarding caste-related themes.

This pattern is not new. Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen, featured in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, is a notable historical example. The film, which won multiple awards in India and abroad, faced significant CBFC scrutiny before its release across India.

Its unflinching portrayal of caste oppression and gender violence sparked controversy, yet it remains a landmark in Indian cinema for its bold subject matter and international acclaim.

These examples highlight the ongoing tension between filmmakers and certification authorities when addressing complex social issues. While such films often earn praise and awards at international film festivals, they may face delays, edits, or even bans in their countries of origin due to regulatory concerns.

International film festivals play a crucial role in spotlighting these films and their narratives. They provide a platform for filmmakers to reach global audiences, offering visibility and recognition that may not be immediately available at home.

This dynamic underscores how films with socially relevant themes often find a more receptive environment abroad.

Moreover, international acclaim can amplify conversations around the issues these films explore, reflecting the diverse cultural, social, and regulatory contexts in which films are created and viewed.

The experiences of filmmakers from Iran and India illustrate the complex interplay between cinema, society, and regulation.

While local markets may present challenges, international platforms continue to support and celebrate films that contribute to vital social discussions.

These festivals broaden the reach of such films, encouraging global audiences to engage with diverse perspectives.

ALSO READ | 'Taarikh' Goes To Pune International Film Festival