Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 8 (UNI) Film festivals should take up the political responsibility of introducing the public to socially relevant films that talk about diverse life experiences and IFFK is a perfect example for this, Kerala Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice Dr R Bindu said on Sunday.
Inaugurating the media cell of 29th international film festival of Kerala at Tagore Theatre, Vazhuthacaud, she stated that each movie screened in the festival mirrors the life and survival of people all over the world.
Cinema, thus, becomes a globe-trotting experience for the audience. She added that it is gratifying to see IFFK ensuring greater participation of female filmmakers.
This could be seen as the continuation of the efforts the government is making through KSFDC, she said.
The participation of IFFK Lifetime Achievement award winner Ann Hui, Spirit of Cinema award winner Payal Kapadia, International Jury Chairperson Agnès Godard, 4 women directors featured in Malayalam Cinema Today category and Festival Curator Golda Sellam make 29th edition truly meaningful and representative, said Prem Kumar, Chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.
Golda Sellam, the Festival Curator stated that the media is a key player in the effective execution of such festivals. She also regarded IFFK as one of the best in the world.
The inauguration event was presided over by R.S. Babu, the Chairman of Kerala Media Academy. The function was attended by Shaji N Karun, the Chairman of KSFDC, C. Ajoy, Secretary of Chalachitra Academy, K Suresh Kumar, Deputy Director I&PRD, Anupama G Nair, Convenor of the Media Committee and H. Shaji, Deputy Director of IFFK.
The festival happening from December 13 to 20, will feature 177 films from around the world.
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