EntertainmentPosted at: Dec 3 2025 3:12PM


IFFK will propel Malayalam Cinema onto the Global Stage: Resul Pookutty

P Krishna Kumar
Kerala, Dec 3 (UNI) Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty, the newly appointed Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, has lauded Malayalam cinema as a growing force on the global stage, attributing its success to content that is deeply rooted in Kerala’s language, culture, and traditions.
Speaking ahead of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), Pookutty described cinema as the state’s “super soft power” and predicted that if the industry continues on its current trajectory, it could achieve the international stature that Iranian cinema enjoys today.
He said, "Malayalam cinema is increasingly being recognised worldwide for its strong content, knowledgeable practitioners and talented professionals."
If the Malayalam industry “plays it right,” he said, it could soon occupy the same place that Iranian cinema holds today on the world cinema spectrum.
The 30th edition of IFFK will be held from December 12 to 19 in Thiruvananthapuram. Over the eight days, the festival will showcase around 230 films, including 60 foreign films.
Organisers shared that the festival will feature 14 films in the international competition section, 12 in the Malayalam Cinema Today section, and 7 in the Indian Cinema Now category.
“IFFK is more than a film festival. It has evolved into a knowledge-sharing platform and a film school movement in itself,” Pookutty said. Highlighting its growth over the decades, he noted that the platform has produced generations of filmmakers, artists and technicians for the Malayalam industry.
He noted that the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has been a key driving force behind the growing global visibility of Malayalam cinema today.
One of the most notable strengths of Malayalam cinema, he said, is that its content remains “rooted firmly in the language, culture and traditions” of Kerala. As a result, it has become the state’s “super soft power.”
Speaking on the stature of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), Pookutty highlighted that the festival is renowned for the quality of films curated and the high level of active audience participation. He noted that nearly 15,000 people gather in Thiruvananthapuram during the event, making it one of the best-curated regional film festivals in Asia.
As the new Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Pookutty said his focus is to bring more “international associations” to IFFK, strengthening its cultural significance in the years ahead. He added that he hopes to take editions of IFFK to Dubai and other locations. “Dubai Tourism has reached out to us already, and we would look at potential collaborations,” he said.
Responding to a question on his priorities as Chairman, Pookutty said he believes the crucial component of “academics” has been missing from the Academy’s activities.
He plans to bridge that gap by fostering dialogue with practitioners of allied art forms and crafts, so that films can play an important role in preserving and conserving traditional arts and crafts.
Meanwhile, Vietnam will be the focus country at the 30th IFFK. Five films commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War will be showcased at the festival.
Awards will be presented at the closing ceremony on December 19. The Suvarna Chakoram (Best Film) carries a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh. The Rajata Chakoram for Best Director includes a prize of Rs 4 lakh, while the Rajata Chakoram for Best Debut Director carries Rs 3 lakh.
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