Thiruvananthapuram: Curtains went up on the eight-day film extravaganza at the Nisagandhi open air auditorium here on Friday as Spanish master Carlos Saura and the diva of Indian alternative cinema, Sabhana Azmi, joined Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, cinema administrators and an avid audience of film buffs in celebrating Kerala’s annual cinema fair.
Chandy promised the 18th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala a festival complex, lending a touch of déjà vouz, as it echoed his proffer at the same venue last year. The week ahead, film enthusiasts will throng the festival theatres in the city, picking the best from among the100-odd films from Third World countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Chandy lit the traditional lamp, opening the festival, which showcases around 211 movies from around 66 countries. The presence of Carlos Saura – the winner of this year’s life time achievement award - and international juror Marco Bellacio enriched the evening.
Chandy said the Government would protect and promote the Malayalam film industry. The newly introduced film marketing wing under Kerala Chalachitra Academy would promote Malayalam movies, often sidelined, globally. The marketing wing would be a platform for budding talents to discuss ideas and new scripts.
“IFFK has definitely been a positive influence on the Malayalam film industry. The number of new releases in Malayalam with innovative and different themes has increased manifold. IFFK has definitely impacted the industry positively,” said Chandy.
He said thousands made a living from the movie industry and the government had adopted measures to protect the industry from piracy.
Sabhana Azmi said art should be used as a medium to change society. Lauding the government for promoting IFFK, Sabhana said Indian Cinema was closely associated with Kerala.
“Mainstream movies are made for profit. While, movies screened at the festival are the reflection of the creativity of the filmmaker,” she said.
Kerala Chalachithra Academy chairman Priyadarshan, too, reiterated that efforts were on to promote Malayalam films globally. Culture Minister K.C. Joseph presided.
Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar released the festival catalogue. The inaugural session was followed by the screening of inaugural film – Ana Arabia by Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai.
