THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 28th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) was formally inaugurated by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan online.
The inaugural function took place at the main venue, Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram. Organized by the Kerala State Film Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, the IFFK is scheduled to run in Thiruvananthapuram from December 8th to December 15th, 2023, across 15 film theaters. A total of 175 films from 81 countries will be showcased during the week-long event, symbolizing the celebration of cinema, its makers, and audiences.
The Sudanese film ‘Goodbye Julia/ Wadaean Julia,’ directed by debutant Mohamed Kordofani, was screened at the inaugural ceremony. The film is set just before the secession of South Sudan in 2011 when Mona (Eiman Yousif), a well-off woman from the north, accidentally hits and kills the son of a poor southerner family with her car.
Meanwhile, the exhibition for the International film competition begins today. Seven films discussing contemporary issues such as survival, love, and thriller genres will be screened. Sixty-two films are being screened in the world cinema category, including the film ‘The Anatomy of a Fall’ directed by Justine Triet, which won this year’s Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the Polish producer, director, and screenwriter Krzysztof Sanusi at the festival’s closing ceremony. ‘Suvarna Chakoram’ for the best film is awarded Rs 20 lakh. The ‘Rajatha Chakoram’ will award Rs 4 lakh to the best director, while debutant directors will receive Rs 3 lakh. Rs 2 lakh will be awarded to the director of the film eligible for the Audience Award. The best debutant director in India eligible for the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI) KR Mohanan Endowment Award will receive Rs 1 lakh.
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