IFFK, in memoriam flood victims

Thiruvananthapuram: Unlike the previous editions, the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will begin here on Friday with the lighting candles commemorating the victims of the recent floods.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the IFFK at Nishagandhi Auditorium here.

Contemporary Bengali filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta will be the chief guest of the opening ceremony and actor-director Nandita Das, the guest of honour.

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, who is heading the jury for the international competition, will be given the lifetime achievement award carrying a cash award of '5 lakh.

Kerala State Chalachitra Academy secretary Mahesh Panju said that there would be no cultural shows at the opening ceremony.

There are 6568 delegates registered for the festival, which will conclude on December 12.

“This year we have decided to light candles as a token of remembrance to the flood victims. Normally we light the traditional lamp, followed by cultural programmes. We had to cut cost this year as there is no government funding due to the floods,” said Mr Panju.

“However, there'll be musical events at Tagore Theatre to commemorate Balabhaskar. Popular playback singers and musicians will perform free of cost in fond memory of the musician,” said Mr Mahesh.

The registration fee for the IFFK passes was raised from Rs 600 to Rs 2000 this year. The academy's 3-day passes for Rs 1000 aimed at increasing participation didn’t get much response.

Cold response from film industry was also a massive blow to the cash-strapped academy, which has showcased 164 films from 72 countries. It was able to sell only 50 to 60 passes so far.