Kerala CM To Inaugurate IFFK On Dec 9

The 27th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala, during which 186 movies from 70 countries will be screened in various theatres here, will commence on Friday with its inauguration by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

After the eight-day film festival is inaugurated by the CM, there will be a screening of the Belgian-French film 'Tori and Lokita' which won the Cannes 75th Anniversary Award this year, state Minister for Culture V N Vasavan said at a press conference held in the media room of the Legislative Assembly here.

The inaugural film, which will have its India premiere, is a refugee drama about two African-born children trying to build a life together on the streets of Belgium.

Besides inaugurating the festival, Vijayan would also be honoring Iranian filmmaker Mahnaz Mohammadi, who is fighting for women's rights in Iran, with the Spirit of Cinema Award, Vasavan said.

This year's IFFK will see the participation of around 12,000 delegates and 200 filmmakers and Serbia will be the focus country with six distinguished films from contemporary Serbian cinema slated to be screened during the festival, the minister said.

This year, the film festival for the first time will be focusing on films from the silent and early talkie eras.

Five silent films will be screened accompanied by live music.

There would also be a screening of G Aravindan's 'Thampu' in the reinstated classic category and a special screening of Adoor Gopalakrishnan's 'Swayamvaram' which would be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Apart from screening the varied selection of movies from across the globe, the festival will also feature two photo exhibitions -- one of well-known photographer Punalur Rajan and the other chronicling the career of actor Satyan.

There will also be open forums, panel discussions, and cultural programs, including musical performances by leading music bands and musical performances by leading music bands, during the eight-day festival, he added.