The Kerala International Film Festival hit a snag as chairperson Resul Pookutty was missing at the Open Forum on December 17. Pookutty, who also heads the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and serves as festival director, was criticized by a former IFFK council member. The member said, “The festival has continued to function without the chairperson’s presence. Its smooth conduct can be solely attributed to the organising team which has been working round the clock.” He also blamed the Open Forum for lacking democratic engagement because speakers left before the audience could ask questions. In response, C. Ajoy, moderator and IFFK secretary and executive director, explained that Pookutty was absent due to prior work commitments but expected to arrive on December 18. “All assumptions are based on misunderstandings and a lack of fact-checking, and it is the vision of the chairperson that we are implementing,” said Mr. Ajoy.