UNESCO aid sought for conduct of IIFK

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Fund crunch continues to haunt the prestigious International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

Even as the festival enters its 20th year, the organisers are struggling to make ends meet.

Now, the Kerala Chalachitra Academy has written to UNESCO seeking aid to make it “truly international”.

Last year, the government granted only Rs 3 crore. A top Academy official said it’s impossible to host an international event without sufficient funds, and it has sought Rs 5 crore this year.

“We expect more funds this year. After all it’s an international festival, and we need to take it to the next level,” he said.

“By 2020 we want to make this one of INdia's iconic international festivals. We have written to UNESCO as the festival showcases Latin American and Asian movies. It may not work out this year but by next year we expect its support”.

The Academy is finding it hard to add more movie premieres and to bring in renowned filmmakers due to the fund crunch.

“We buy movies from sales agents. They demand a huge amount of money for premiers,” he said.

“Transportation of guests is a major issue, and we are not able to spend much as most of the funds goes for buying movies. We can’t afford business class tickets for them. We are planning more premiers this year, and it requires a minimum of Rs 10 crore for its smooth conduct.”

IFFK, one of the major festivals in terms of viewer participation, begins December 4.