International films of Kerala

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The 11th International films of Kerala (IFFK) commenced on the 8th of December in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala as thousands of film aesthetes thronged to the theatres to be a part of the film carnival. With every passing year IFFK is growing in stature as the prestigious films of Kerala which has achieved national acclaim.

The inaugural ceremony evoked nostalgic memories traversing 50 years of existence of the Kerala state as 50 lamps were lit at the Nishagandhi auditorium by veterans from the Malayalam film industry. Honourable Minister for Culture and Education Sri. M.A. Baby presided over the ceremony and rightly described the festival as representing the cultural ethos of the third world nations. Luminaries from various parts of the nation have come for the festival, so also delegates from foreign countries have come down for the cultural fete. The festival book and daily bulletin were also released.

The inaugural ceremony preceded by the cultural extravaganza "Incredible Kerala", the brainchild of Soorya Krishnamurthy attempted to recreate the golden epoch of the folk art forms of Kerala. Over 200 folk artistes performed at the function adding much colour to the ceremony. Reviving the cultural heritage of the state at this historic point in time was virtually a unique visual feast.

The ceremony concluded with the screening of the inaugural Afro-Belgian film Sounds of Sand directed by Marion Hansel. The film is a socio-realistic parable on human survival instincts. Lashing out against the discrepancies in the society ruining the life marginalized sections, the director brings forth issues related to famine, displacement, lovelessness, etc.

IFFK 2006 has much to offer to the film lovers with its emphasis on the cinema of South Africa, Iran of the 60s and 70s, Spain, French Comedies, Animation films, Arabian documentaries along with special focus on maestros like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Louise Malle, Glauber Roche, Sissako and Albert Dupontel. Malayalam cinema and Indian cinema are also shown to establish a rapport with the past and the present trends in the film world.

The films which began on the 8th will conclude on the 15th of December. Expectations are soaring high, mixed reactions are common, yet what eventually prevails is the genuine love for films which supercedes every other claim.