InkLab – a film from Chandigarh selected at Mumbai International Film festival ( MIFF ) 2012

INVC,,

Mumbai,,

InkLab, a one hour film directed by Chandigarh based indie filmmaker and social activist Dr. Gaurav Chhabra has been selected at Mumbai International Film festival, in Indian competition category.

Inspired by Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s idea behind Assembly bombing case of 1929, this experimental film explains the true meaning of ‘Long live revolution’, talks of social equality, justice and raises a debate on many contemporary issues of concern in the country including the corruption in politics and Freedom of speech.

The film that was earlier also an official selection in the International competition at IFFI, Goa and Third Eye Asian film festival, Mumbai was kicked out of these festivals due to Censor board’s objection to the content of the film. MIFF however is exempted from Censor certificate due Supreme court’s ruling on the litigation filed by activist filmmakers a few years back.

The fact that on one hand, the educational film that promotes citizen activism was  labeled Anti-National and Threat to security of state by Censor board and on other hand the festivals organized by Ministry of Information and broadcasting like IFFI and MIFF are selecting the film on the bases of merits of its content and cinematic style, clearly shows the incompetence and arbitrariness of the staff of the Censor board. Also in contrast to the objections of Censor board, the film has already been viewed by thousands of viewers online and has attracted rave reviews from critics and audience alike.

We are filing a writ petition against censor board in High courts as soon the courts open after winter break.