The inauguration was witnessed by a packed audience in Nishagandhi
Thiruvananthapuram, First Published Mar 18, 2022, 8:14 PM IST
Thiruvananthapuram: The 26th Kerala International Film Festival (IFFK) kicks off in Thiruvananthapuram. The function was presided over by Culture Minister Saji Cherian and inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The main attraction of the ceremony was the four guests. Actress Bhavana was among the guests, along with Turkish director Lisa Chalan, who lost both her legs in the IS attack, and Asmari Haq, the lead actress in the opening film Merhana, and Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap. Lisa Challan is the recipient of the IFFK Spirit of Cinema Award.
In her inaugural address, the Chief Minister said that Lisa Challan was a living martyr who was attacked by reactionary forces. Lisa Challan deserves the Spirit of Cinema award for her progressive use of the medium of cinema. Respecting them also honors the work done for the upliftment of women, he said.
Bhavana, who arrived on stage earlier, received the most applause from the delegates. Chalachithra Academy Chairman Ranjith along with other guests welcomed Bhavana on stage during the introductory speech. Bhavana, the beloved actress of Malayalam, has come here to enrich the event. Bhavana, another female symbol of the struggle, is cordially invited to the ceremony, Ranjith said. KSFDC Chairman and Director Shaji N Karun received Bhavana with a bouquet. Later, at the inauguration ceremony by lighting a chandelier, a twist was proved.
Ministers V Sivankutty, Antony Raju, GR Anil, Mayor Arya Rajendran, Adv. VK Prashanth MLA, Chalachithra Academy Chairman Ranjith, KSFDC Chairman Shaji N Karun, Culture Department Principal Secretary Rani George IAS, IFFK Artistic Director Beena Paul, Chalachithra Academy Vice Chairman Prem Kumar and Secretary C Ajoy were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, 173 films will be screened on 15 screens. The specialty of this fair is the survival views of the people affected by the epidemic and war. Tens of thousands of delegates will be allowed to enter the fair this time. For the first time since the Kovid crisis, all seats in theaters will be open. The fair includes seven packages, including an international competition category, a world cinema category featuring the latest films of world-renowned directors, Indian Cinema Now, Malayalam Cinema Today, a retrieval of classics and a tribute to Nedumudi Venu.
Last Updated Mar 18, 2022, 8:14 PM IST
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