Thiruvananthapuram: Lack of sponsorship from various government departments for the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has come as a huge blow to the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.
The academy expected funds to the tune of Rs 50 lakh through a partnership with government agencies alone. However, the academy has received only RS 22 lakh so far.
Academy secretary Mahesh Panju said that it could raise only less than '2 crore of the '3 crore planned through partnership. Only a few government agencies provided funds.
“So far, the registrations have crossed 7,500 and we are expecting more in the coming days,” said Mr Mahesh.
The excise department, Kerala State Youth Commission, lottery department and Kerala Road Fund Board are some of the contributors.
The three-day passes introduced to woo more delegates haven’t got much response. “Only 260 people have taken the three-day passes and we are sure there will be more takers for the final three days of the festival,” he added.
“We will have a clear idea of our expenses only after the festival. There will be a gap between the fund raised and the total expenditure and we expect funds from the government,” said Mr Panju.
