Kochi:The second edition of the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala has concluded in Kochi. The third edition will begin on Tuesday at Thalassery. The festival which held in strict compliance with the COVID protocols, was active with the screening of brilliant films and effective participation of delegates.
Given the COVID situation, directors interacted with the audience online. About 80 films were screened at the festival including Oscar competition entries.
Malayalam films received great appreciation in the festival platform. Malayalam films like Lijo Jose Pellissery's Churuli, Jayaraj's Hasyam, Biriyaani, Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam etc. were well received in all the screenings. The festival was also notable for the presence of promising debutants. The festival featured films by 10 debut directors from various languages.
The 33 films which featured in the International Festival of Kerala were fully or partially made during the COVID crisis. The festival started with Quo Vadis, Ida?, the story of the Bosnian genocide and ended with the Belgian film Summer of 85. The Man Who Sold His Skin, Wife of a Spy, Never Gonna Snow Again, The Waste Land, Kosa, 9,75 Santimetrekare were well received by the audience.
In the Kaleidoscope category, Malayalam films like Biryani, Vasanthi and 1956, Central Travancore were also popular. Online open forums and Meet the Director discussions involving directors and filmmakers were a highlight of the festival.
