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Celebrates Women in Film, featuring 52 female-directed films

The fifth day of the Open Forum at Tagore Theatre witnessed a heated discussion on "Heralding a New Era: The Struggles and Progresses at the New Dawn of Malayalam Cinema." Filmmakers Indu Lakshmi, Adhithya Baby, Sivaranjini J, and Shobhana Padinjhattil shared their insights during the session, moderated by Sreedevi P Aravind.
Indu Lakshmi's films are a poignant testament to the transformative power of storytelling, weaving a narrative of healing and introspection. Her cinematic voyage began with "Nila," a film that, though not autobiographical, distilled her unique perspective. In contrast, her next effort, "Appuram," drew deeply from her personal wellspring, with dialogues infused with the authenticity of lived experiences. "I see emotions first," Indu revealed, illuminating her creative process. Her films, she confessed, are inspired by a rich tapestry of memories: vivid visuals, poignant dialogues, and stories that have shaped her life. This introspective approach crafts a cinematic language that resonates deeply, inviting audiences to partake in her journey of self-discovery and healing.
After 20 years of dreaming, Shobhana brought her filmmaking vision to life. Her films celebrate female friendships and defy societal norms. "I wanted my bond with my girlfriends to reflect in my film," she said. "I showcase women as change-makers, not victims, challenging Indian cinema's typical portrayal of Dalit and trans women," she added. Shobhana focuses on women who refuse to be confined by society’s expectations.
Sivaranjini challenged traditional gender norms by creating a film that intentionally excludes men, featuring only their voices, a deliberate cinematic and political choice aimed at breaking the stereotype of women's roles.
Adhithya Baby shared her journey of overcoming cinematic limitations, from village roots with restricted dreams to finding inspiration through drama school and supportive friendships. She highlighted the challenges women face in cinema, particularly in technical roles, citing expensive private film schools and a lack of government-funded institutions.
The Open Forum commended IFFK for featuring 52 female-directed films, a monumental achievement inspiring the next generation of women filmmakers and storytellers.