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The city of Thiruvananthapuram recently hosted the grand inauguration of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), an event that drew notable figures from the global film industry. Established as a cornerstone of Indian cinema, the festival promotes cultural dialogue and solidarity through the art of film.
During the opening ceremony, Chilean director Pablo Larraín joined ambassadors from Palestine and Germany, along with acclaimed Canadian director Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, who received the prestigious Spirit of Cinema Award. They expressed admiration for the festival’s mission and achievements.
Celebrating cultural resilience
The event commenced with remarks from Saji Cherian, Kerala’s Minister for Culture, who reflected on the festival’s evolution over the past three decades. Cherian emphasized that the IFFK has emerged as a significant cultural institution, showcasing films while also serving as a platform for social change. He highlighted the participation of 82 countries, with over 200 films screened, demonstrating the festival’s international appeal.
In a passionate address, Cherian noted that cinema is a powerful tool for confronting oppression and fostering resilience. He cited the story of a beloved Malayalam actress, a survivor of sexual assault, as a symbol of courage and a testament to the festival’s commitment to supporting those who face hardships.
A platform for global narratives
Pablo Larraín, attending the IFFK for the first time, expressed enthusiasm for the festival’s diverse selection. He praised the warmth and curiosity of the Indian audience, underscoring the importance of openness to different cultures. Larraín encouraged festival-goers to maintain their inquisitiveness, recognizing cinema as a crucial lens for examining history and envisioning the future.
German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann echoed the message of solidarity, lauding Kerala’s film culture. He highlighted the inclusion of 25 German films in this year’s lineup, including Fatih Akin‘s World War II drama Amrum and the biographical film Franz, submitted for the Oscars. Ackermann reminisced about Kerala’s tributes to renowned filmmakers like Werner Herzog and Wim Wenders, connecting the state’s reputation as “God’s own country” to the contributions of German missionary Hermann Gundert.
Emphasizing solidarity through cinema
A poignant moment came from Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, the Palestinian Ambassador to India. He spoke movingly about the significance of debuting the festival with the Palestinian film Palestine 36. He articulated how cinema connects deeply with the experiences of his people, emphasizing the film as a representation of their resilience. Abu Shawesh expressed gratitude for Kerala’s unwavering support for Palestine, describing the film as a necessary correction of historical narratives.
Kelly Fyffe-Marshall’s acceptance of the Spirit of Cinema Award was another highlight of the evening. In her inspirational speech, she shared her commitment to illuminating injustices faced by marginalized communities, particularly within the Black community. She asserted that the struggle for justice is interconnected across all communities, urging attendees to foster safety and dignity in their own circles. Fyffe-Marshall characterized solidarity as a daily choice and expressed her deep appreciation for the recognition of her work.
Honoring cinematic contributions
The ceremony also recognized the contributions of various filmmakers and jurors. Bùi Thạc Chuyên, the Vietnamese filmmaker and jury member, was honored as the festival focused on Vietnam this year. Additionally, the festival released several significant publications, including a book on the late filmmaker Shaji N. Karun and a special issue of Chalachitra Sameeksha.
Notable attendees included Adoor Gopalakrishnan, an eminent Indian filmmaker, as well as jurors such as Sandhya Suri and Edmund Yeo. The night concluded with a screening of Palestine 36, setting a meaningful tone for the festival ahead.