Kochi: The Ernakulam leg of the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala got off to a start here at 6 PM on Wednesday.  The festival was officially inaugurated  by Minister of Cultural Affairs A. K Balan, at a function organised at the Sarita theatre complex.

Mayor M. Anilkumar presided. M. Swaraj MLA released the festival bulletin by handing it over to FEFCA President Sibi Malayil. The website on the history of IFFK was launched by K.J Maxi MLA at the ceremony. John Fernandes MLA released the 25th IFFK memorabilia coffee mug by giving it to AMMA General Secretary Edavela Babu.

Led by veteran filmmaker KG George, 24 young luminaries from the Malayalam film industry lit 25 lamps, symbolising the past two and a half decades of the IFFK.

Chalachithra Academy Chairman Kamal, Vice Chairperson Bina Paul, Secretary Ajoy Chandran Film Chamber Secretary V.C. George, Film Producers Association General Secretary Anto Joseph, Distributor Association President Siyad Kokker, FEUOK General Secretary M.C. Bobby, MACTA Chairman Jayaraj, FFSI Regional Council Member M. Gopinathan, Chalachithra Academy General Counsil Member Sajitha Madathil were present on the occasion. Actor Mohanlal facilitated the ceremony via online.

The Bosnian film Quo Vadis, Aida? was screened as the opening film. The film which depicts the aftermath of the Bosnian  genocide, has been shortlisted for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

The inaugural ceremony was conducted in compliance with strict COVID protocols, including thermal scanning and social distancing.