Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is a reflection of the state’s revival in the art field after the devastating floods in August.
Inaugurating the 23rd edition of the IFFK by lighting candles to commemorate the flood victims here on Friday, Mr Vijayan said that the IFFK can depict the state’s rich culture to the world, especially assuring it that the floods have no effect on its rich culture.
“Art plays a crucial role in the rebuilding of broken hearts of flood victims just like the reconstruction of collapsed houses, roads and bridges which were destroyed in the flood,” he said. Nothing can soothe the hearts than a good artwork, he added.
Mr Vijayan said that divisive forces were trying to divide us in the name of religion and beliefs. Good movies with rich humanitarian values would nullify such moves, he said.
Iconic Iranian director Majid Majidi was presented the lifetime achievement award at the opening ceremony held at Nisagandhi auditorium.
Contemporary Bengali filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta, who was the chief guest, said that he was proud of coming here. “It is a matter of pride and hope for all us that this festival is still happening even after the devastating floods. The culture has not lost its grace. I am greatly indebted to this state,” he said.
Actor and filmmaker Nandita Das, who was the guest of honour, said the candles in our hands are a symbol of togetherness and human spirit of Kerala.
“Times are tough and the other attack is of divisive forces which are dividing us on the basis of gender, religion and caste. We have to fight them without being violent. Art and cinema is the most powerful medium to fight this. We will keep making films,” said Nandita Das.
Tourism Minister Kada-kampally Surendran, Ma-yor V.K. Prasanth, Kerala Tourism Development Co-rporation (KTDC) chairman M. Vijayakumar, Kerala State Chalachithra Academy chairman Kam-al, academy chairperson Beena Paul and aecretary Mahesh Panju took part in the ceremony.
