Some of them have taken a week-long leave and some have rearranged their working hours. None of them want to miss out on the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), which begins today (December 7). Even though the fete is a toned down affair this year and the delegate fee is ₹2,000, cinephiles of IT hub in the capital city are not short of enthusiasm.
“There are no deadlines to be met nor any work pressure. It is a totally different world out there,” says Anish Kumar K, an employee with an MNC. “Last year I took only a few days’ leave, but this time I am going full on. I don’t want to miss out on any good film. Last time, I couldn’t see Wajib [which eventually won the Golden Pheasant award] because the show was running to packed theatres,” says Anish, who attends the fete with fellow techie Marshal Titto.
Anish Kumar K
While there are IFFK veterans such as Rahul Reghuvaran and Subin Peeru Mohamed, both employees of IBS Software, Remya Thekkuvetil is just one IFFK old. “I attended the fete last year after my friends teased me about it. They said it was a shame that I had not participated in such a prestigious event happening in the city,” says Remya.
Remya Thekkuveetil
People’s festival
The techies unanimously point out that it is the ambience that draws them year after year to the fete. “It is not just about a passion for cinema or watching the best films from across the world. There is an aura about the festival that keeps you hooked. I now have a network of friends formed during the IFFK over the years and there are 12 to 15 of us who regularly meet up at the festival venue. Wannabe directors, editors, technicians and techies... they come from different parts of the country. We don’t watch the same movies. Once we share our thoughts about the films among ourselves, we get a fairly good idea about the must-watch movies,” says Subin, who has been a delegate at IFFK since 2007.
Aswin MC
For Aswin MC of QuEST Global, a festival regular for the last three years, the event is a great place to make long-lasting friendships. “There are a few friends whom I meet only during the IFFK. Also, it is at the festival that I catch up with some of my friends who left the IT field to work in films,” says Aswin. The festival is a learning platform for him as he is closely associated with the conduct of Qisa Film Festival, a short film festival of Technopark.
Remya feels that the vibes at the festival venue and the theatres are incredible. “As someone used to watching commercial movies, IFFK has been a refreshing experience. The presence of several well-known film personalities, the impromptu folk music sessions and informal gatherings lend a unique flavour to the fete,” she says.
Inspired directors
Meanwhile, IFFK has been a source of inspiration for short filmmakers and wannabe filmmakers on the campus. Arun Nakulan, who has made more 10 short films, says, “I have been influenced by how emotions are handled in these movies. Also these films help you understand about culture, people and lifestyle of diverse societies,” says Arun, making special note of the movie Loveless that he saw at IFFK 2017.
Arun Nakulan
Rahul, a regular at the fete since 2005, avers that he has matured as a cineaste through the IFFK. “I had zero ideas about cinema until a friend introduced me to classics and then the IFFK. I understood the nuances of filmmaking. In fact, I even left the IT field to work in a film. The film flopped, but that was a learning experience,” says Rahul, who recently made a short film, Varathan . “IFFK has given me the confidence to think different and learn more,” he says.
Rahul Reghuvaran
Cinebuffs such as Nezin Sreekumar believe that cinema can bring in change. Introduced to the fete by his father, poet Kureepuzha Sreekumar, Nezin says, “I am a huge fan of Iranian movies and I am amazed by how the strife-torn country brings out such amazing films. As much as the festival creates friendships and instil a camaraderie, some films leave behind a lasting impression and even make you a better person.”
Nezin Sreekumar
Subin seconds, “Art opens your mind to things that you have never thought about. Cinema too has that power.”
A fortnightly column on life in tech street
