Thiruvananthapuram: This year, the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy has tied up with ham radio operators to ensure smooth conduct of the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
Around 22 ham radio operators have joined to coordinate volunteering and crowd management. They will help establish a live communication network between theatres and volunteer control room at Tagore Centenary Hall premises. Hundreds of youngsters have come forward for free volunteering this year.
Ajith Kumar S.R., an amateur ham radio operator who is volunteering for IFFK, said they will help improve communication between volunteers.
“This year there is no queue system and ham radios will help manage crowd effectively. For some movies, more delegates will come, and there will not be enough seats. The volunteers will be able to know the seat availability at other theatres and give information to the delegates,” said Mr Kumar.
Volunteer captain S.S. Minu said this year people came forward from all walks of life for free volunteering. “Many protests had happened at IFFK venues in the past, and effective communication can ease such situations,” Minu said.
Aswathy Mepurath, a final year student of College of Fine Arts who has enrolled for volunteering, said that she always wanted to be a part of IFFK.
“I am very much interested in films and IFFK is a platform where we get a lot of exposure. We get to meet filmmakers, watch movies and get a perspective on serious filmmaking,” she said.
K. Rajan, another volunteer, said that it’s a pleasure to be part of the IFFK.
“I am volunteering for IFFK for the past four years. The festival gives me an opportunity to associate and help delegates,” said Mr Rajan.
