Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 18 -- At least 13 of the 19 films earlier denied censor exemption by the Union government for screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) have now been cleared, an official of the Kerala Chalachitra Akademi said on Wednesday. The development comes even as the state government reiterated its intention to showcase all 19 titles at the event.

According to reports, six films are still awaiting exemption. The ministry of external affairs has reportedly advised withholding clearance on the grounds that their screening could strain India's diplomatic relations with certain countries.

Santhosh Keezhattoor, a member of the executive board of the Akademi, which organises the annual festival, told HT: "Th...