Uruguayan filmmaker Verónica Perrot González, director of Quemadura China, highlighted the importance of artistic individuality and confidence in filmmaking while speaking at the ‘Meet the Director’ session held at Tagore Theatre on the second day of the 30th IFFK.

“The foremost quality a good director must have is the courage to be oneself. That confidence helped me complete low-budget films beautifully,” Verónica said, emphasising that passion and self-belief are essential to overcoming the many challenges of cinema. Responding to a question on what it takes to become a good director, she remarked, “If we do anything with passion, we can overcome all its challenges.”

Visiting Kerala for the first time, Verónica had her film screened in the Latin American category of the festival on Saturday. She shared behind-the-scenes insights into Quemadura China while also reflecting on the fundamental lessons of direction. According to her, true satisfaction in cinema does not lie in following established paths but in forging one’s own creative journey.

Quemadura China centres on the lives of Siamese twin brothers who decide to undergo surgery to separate, and the complex situations that arise from this life-altering decision. The film delves deep into human conflicts and the emotional landscapes of the mind.

The session also featured acclaimed Malayalam director Jeo Baby, who spoke about his upcoming film Ebb. He noted that cinema is a medium to closely observe human conditions and evoke a natural sense of empathy. Discussing his film—which weaves together the trajectories of human lives through the emotion of love—Jeo Baby also shared insights, drawn from his own experiences, on how newcomers can find their way into the world of cinema.

Anirudh Lokkur, executive producer of the Kannada film Don’t Tell Mother, spoke about the project, which is directed by his brother Anoop Lokkur. Malayalam director Balu Kiriyath also participated in the session.

The discussion was moderated by Mira Sahib, and the session provided an engaging platform for filmmakers and audiences to exchange ideas on creativity, storytelling, and the evolving language of cinema.

The first Open Forum of the 30th edition of the IFFK was inaugurated by eminent filmmaker Syed Mirza, marking the beginning of a series of critical discussions that bring together filmmakers, critics, and audiences. The Open Forum serves as an important platform for dialogue on contemporary cinematic practices and challenges.

The theme of the inaugural session was “Doors to Cinematic Freedom: New Environments and Challenges in Cinema”, and it was moderated by Nizam Assaf. The discussion focused on the evolving nature of cinema, democratic spaces within filmmaking, and the impact of emerging technologies. 

The session was attended by Kelly Fiffe Marshall, winner of this year’s Spirit of Cinema Award, K Hariharan, Chairman of the FFSI Kerala Jury and noted filmmaker, and acclaimed director T V Chandran.

Speaking at the forum, T V Chandran observed that cinema is increasingly evolving as a democratic medium. He emphasized that democracy can flourish only when it is nurtured in the right environment, identifying primary education as the foundational “soil” for democratic growth in India and across the world.

The discussion also examined the influence of artificial intelligence and technological advancements on cinema. Addressing concerns about technology leading to creative stagnation, Syed Mirza pointed out that similar apprehensions existed during earlier transitions in cinema—such as the introduction of sound, colour, and computers. He expressed confidence that artificial intelligence, like previous technological innovations, would contribute positively to the growth and evolution of cinema. Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Secretary C. Ajoy was also present at the session.