Cinema can Reform the Intellect of the Society
Directors in unison expressed their views on the role of film festivals in discussing issues like cultural alienation and identity crisis, which can affect the intellectual capacities of viewers. This, they said, paves the way for marginalized voices to come into the limelight. IFFK was praised for its vision to screen movies that focus on disempowered communities around the world.
"Indian society still dwells in caste and racial discrimination, resulting in cultural displacement. The IFFK provides a platform for marginalized voices to express themselves," said Jayan Cherian, Director of Rhythm of Dammam, while addressing the Meet the Directors session on 16 December 2024.
Michael Taylor Jackson related the topic to the current global political scenario, marked by cultural alienation and identity crisis. "Films must question the political atrocities that sideline people disregarded by powerful institutions," he said. "Cinema is a collective dream, and it has the potential to change society," Jackson added optimistically.
This session, moderated by Mira Sahib, was attended by directors Sivaranjini J (Victoria), Abhilash Sharma (In the Name of Fire), Michael Taylor Jackson (Underground Orange), Dr. Abhilash Babu (Dust Art Redrawn in Respiration), Aranya Sahay (Humans in the Loop), Ram Reddy (The Fable), and Natalia Geisse, the production designer of The Hyperboreans. The session's convenor, Director Balu Kiriyath, delivered the vote of thanks.
