KOCHI
The five-day regional International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy concluded here on Tuesday.
A total of 69 films were screened at Sarita, Savitha, and Kavitha theatres. The films were selected from the best of works showcased at the IFFK held in Thiruvananthapuram.
The movies by women filmmakers were received well by the movie buffs. Some of the films that earned applause include Clara Sola by Nathalie Alvarez Mesen; Mounia Akl's Costa Brava, Lebanon; Tara Ramanujan's Nishiddho; Kamila Andini's Yuni; and Hava, Maryam, Ayesha by Sahraa Karimi.
The regional IFFK also triggered discussions on whether Kochi could be a permanent venue for holding the IFFK. Though the Minister for Culture Saji Cherian stayed away from commenting on it, he said that the regional fest would be held next year.
As reflected in the IFFK in Thiruvananthapuram, the regional leg of the fest became the venue for renewed discussions on the need to implement Internal Complaints Committee in film locations and trade bodies in Malayalam film industry. The inordinate delay in implementing a law for addressing the various issues in the industry also came under criticism.
Mr. Cheriyan claimed that his department would finish the draft law within a month. But there was no clarity on when the law would come into effect as he cited the procedure of seeking the approval of the Cabinet and final nod from the State Assembly.
The trade bodies in Malayalam film industry were active in ensuring the smooth conduct of the fest. Representatives of Kerala Film Chamber, Malayalam Cine Technicians Association, Film Employees’ Federation of Kerala and associations of producers and exhibitors joined the academy in the process.
The open forum held at Sarita theatre witnessed the eager participation of delegates and members of the film fraternity.
