IFFK kicks off amidst Cong boycott

Kochi: The

Kochi

leg of the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala got off to a colourful start here on Wednesday with 24 award-winning film personalities lighting candles from a ceremonial lamp lit by veteran film director K G George.

The 25 lamps were lit symbolizing the past two-and-a-half decades of the IFFK. The festival, which was boycotted by Congress leaders, was officially inaugurated by minister for culture A K Balan at a function at the Sarita theatre complex. The inauguration ceremony had MLAs T J Vinod and P T Thomas as invitees but they were conspicuous by their absence.

Stating that there was no error on part of Chalachitra Academy nor the department of culture over the controversy generated over the allegations levelled by actor Salim Kumar, Balan said continuing with the controversies despite an apology being offered shows an attempt to view everything through a political lens.

Academy chairman Kamal said the only criteria behind the invitations extended to film personalities who lit the lamps at the inaugural ceremony was that they had won national, international or state awards during the past 10 years. “Controversies and boycotts would not weaken IFFK,” he said.

Kochi mayor M Anilkumar presided over the function. M Swaraj, MLA, released the festival bulletin by handing it over to FEFKA president Sibi Malayil. The website on the history of IFFK was launched by K J Maxi, MLA, at the ceremony. John Fernandes, MLA, released the 25th IFFK memorabilia coffee mug by giving it to AMMA general secretary Edavela Babu.

The Bosnian film Quo Vadis, Aida? directed by Jasmila Zbanic was screened as the opening film. The film, which depicts the aftermath of the Bosnian genocide, has been shortlisted for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

Measures taken to prevent Covid spread

Kochi: Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, in association with the health department, has taken measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at the festival venues. Free antigen tests are being conducted for the delegates, officials and volunteers. Of the 1,800 tests conducted so far, only five were positive.