Dubai edition of International Film Festival of Kerala on cards: Resul Pookutty

New Delhi: Malayalam film festivals could soon be held in foreign countries, modelled on the Kerala International Film Festival (IFFK), said Resul Pookutty, Chairperson of the Kerala State Film Academy. He made the remarks while in Delhi to promote the 30th edition of the festival.

Pookutty revealed that discussions are underway for a Dubai edition of the IFFK, with authorities there already involved. Plans also include screening Malayalam-language films in cities such as Delhi. “Just as Iranian cinema has made a mark globally, we aim to establish Malayalam cinema on the international stage,” he added. He clarified that an online film festival is not currently being considered.

Speaking at a “Meet the Press” event at Kerala House, Academy Vice-Chairperson Kuku Parameswaran, Secretary Ajoy Chandran, and KWJ Delhi President Prasoon S. Kandath were also present.

Spirit of Cinema Award for Kelly Fyffe-Marshall

IFFK, running from 12 to 19 December over eight days, will showcase more than 200 films from around 70 countries. The Spirit of Cinema Award will be presented to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, consisting of a cash prize of Rs 5,00,000, a trophy, and a citation. Awards will be conferred during the closing ceremony on the night of 19 December.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, five films from Vietnam have been included in the Country Focus category. The Retrospective section will feature three films by Hindi filmmaker and screenwriter Saeed Akhtar Mirza. The International Competition category will include 14 films, the Malayalam Cinema “Today” section 12 films, and the Indian Cinema “Now” section seven films. Over 60 films have been selected for the World Cinema section, while the Kaleidoscope section will showcase eight films. Other categories include Female Focus, Midnight Cinema, and Restored Classics.

As part of centenary celebrations, four films by acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak will be screened. The Homage section will honour directors Shaji N. Karun and M.T. Vasudevan Nair, featuring two of their films each. A Palestine Solidarity section will also be included.

Maximum audience participation planned

“The festival aims to involve as many people as possible,” said Ajoy Chandran, Secretary of the Chalachithra academy. A total of 12,000 representatives are expected, with 3,000 passes reserved for students. Seventy per cent of the passes will be pre-booked, while 30 per cent will be available for on-the-spot registration. Screenings will take place across 16 theatres, and over 200 film professionals are expected to attend as guests.