Daily Updates

Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan inaugurated the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at a resplendent ceremony held at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. In his address, he reaffirmed the festival’s enduring commitment to championing women in cinema, recalling the previous edition’s Female Gaze section and the spotlight it cast on women directors. He also reiterated the state government’s unwavering support for the survivor-actor in the abduction–rape case, declaring that it would “stand firmly with the survivor” and uphold justice without compromise.
To mark the festival’s three-decade milestone, dignitaries jointly lit 30 eye-shaped lamps, a luminous symbol of cinema’s power to shape human vision and deepen global understanding.
Presiding over the function, Kerala Chalachithra Academy Vice Chairperson Cuckoo Parameswaran fondly remembered legendary filmmaker Shaji N. Karun, hailing him as an artist who firmly believed Kerala deserved a larger, more respected space in world cinema.
Renowned Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, the chief guest of the evening, was honoured by Minister Saji Cheriyan. The event also paid tribute to Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, Ambassador of Palestine to India, and Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India. In a stirring moment of solidarity, the minister and Ambassador Shawesh raised their hands together, symbolizing a shared commitment to justice and humanity. The Spirit of Cinema Award was conferred upon Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. The minister released Karunayude Camera, a book on the works of Shaji N. Karun, presenting the first copy to the late maestro’s wife, Anasuya Shaji.
The IFFK handbook was launched by Spanish actor and jury member Angela Molina, who handed the first copy to former Kerala Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar. Vietnamese filmmaker and jury member Bùi Thạc Chuyên was also honoured during the ceremony.
Legendary filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan released the Festival’s Daily Bulletin, presenting it to Dr. Divya S. Iyer, while filmmaker Kamal unveiled a special edition of Chalachitra Sameeksha, handing it to Bina Paul.
Veteran filmmaker Rajeev Nath, celebrating 50 years in cinema, was honoured with the release of Thanal, a book chronicling his artistic journey. KSFDC Chairperson K. Madhu received the first copy.
The minister further released special editions of Janapadham and Kerala Calling, magazines of the Information & Public Relations Department, presenting them to Madhupal.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilak, Chalachithra Academy Secretary C. Ajoy, former Vice Chairman Prem Kumar, Director T. K. Rajeev Kumar, Actor Sarayu Mohan, Film Chamber President Anil Thomas, and Sohan Seenulal.
Following the musical performance featuring sitar, tabla, keyboard, and drums, the Palestinian film Palestine 36 was screened.