The crowd frenzy and almost-stampede like situations witnessed during the screening of highly rated films and those directed by Kim Ki Duk at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) may be a thing of the past, if the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy sticks to its decision of fixing the maximum number of delegates at 10,000.
With only a few days left for the registration process to end, the organisers have stayed firm on the earlier decision, despite criticism from a large number of regular delegates who were denied a chance to register, as the passes for the general category got over within four hours.
According to Chalachitra Academy Secretary Mahesh Panchu, the window to book passes might be opened for one more day, considering the possibility that some registrations might be disqualified in each category.
“We expect around 50-100 passes to be available in each category, as registrations might be rejected due to technical reasons. For instance, in the case of student registrations, there are quite a few who registered with Aadhar or driving licence instead of a valid student identity card. These registrations will be rejected. So, we can accommodate more people in their place. But there are a few who have not got approval even after paying the amount. When their issues are solved, the number in the general category might be more than 7,000,” he says.
The number of delegates at the IFFK has increased progressively over the past few years, with the registrations touching a high of around 15,000 last year. This had led to a situation where theatres were packed to the brim, with not an inch left on the floor.
In fact, the heavy rush and uproar created by those who could not gain entrance to the theatre during the screening of the Egyptian film Clash during last year’s edition, was one of the reasons for the academy to go in for a rethink on the number of delegates. The screening of the film had to be cancelled and rescheduled to a bigger venue, after the situation threatened to go out of hand.
Safety concerns
The theatre owners have also been raising concerns over the possibilities of accidents when the entire floor is taken up by the delegates. According to academy officials, the Culture Minister who had seen first-hand the packed scene at the theatres during the past edition had given strict instructions to reduce the number of delegates.
The 14 theatres have a combined seating capacity of 8,500, which is expected to be sufficient to accommodate 10,000 delegates. From this year, entry to the theatres will be closed as soon as the seats are filled up.
The seat availability will be displayed live in screens placed outside the theatre. The academy officials are also considering the implementation of a bar on booking, for those who repeatedly fail to turn up for shows after booking seats in advance.
