Lights, Camera, Solidarity; IFFK Opens With Support for Assault Survivor

Thiruvananthapuram: The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) opened its 30th edition on Friday at the Nishagandhi auditorium, with Minister for Culture Saji Cherian highlighting the festival’s unwavering support for the survivor of a high-profile assault case involving a Malayalam actress. Cherian called her “a symbol of women’s resistance” and reaffirmed that both the government and IFFK stand firmly with her, a stance met with prolonged applause from over two thousand delegates. The event was inaugurated by 30 dignitaries, who lit the ceremonial lamp placed in front of the stage.

The minister also underscored IFFK’s broader role as a celebration of culture and a platform for political and social engagement, noting that it remains the only state-run film festival in India to complete 30 editions with sustained public participation.

He highlighted that IFFK is among the 44 global festivals recognised by the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) and is India’s largest in terms of audience engagement. “Over three decades, IFFK has made several creative interventions in Kerala’s cultural history,” he said, adding that the festival has become a space that brings together filmmakers, writers, artists, and diverse creative communities.

A major part of the minister’s address focused on the festival’s political stance and its commitment to supporting women in cinema. Recalling the introduction of the Spirit of Cinema award in the 26th edition, instituted to honour women filmmakers who confront social injustices, he noted the award’s history of recognising resistance. The first recipient, Kurdish filmmaker Liza Çalan, attended despite losing both legs in an ISIS bombing.

The minister pointed to recent honourees including Iranian filmmaker Mahnaz Mohammadi, Kenyan director Wanuri Kahiu, and India’s Payal Kapadia. This year, the award will go to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall for her work addressing racial injustice.

He also highlighted the festival’s initiatives to strengthen women’s participation. Last year’s edition saw enhanced representation in programming, with the signature film Swapnayanam . The 29th edition’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ann Hui, and French cinematographer Agnès Godard chaired the international competition jury. Four women directors were featured in the Malayalam Cinema category for the first time.

The 30th edition will screen 206 films from 82 countries across 16 theatres over eight days. Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín is the chief guest, with the opening film, Palestine 36, underlining IFFK’s continued political clarity. The presence of Palestinian Ambassador Abdulla M Abu Shawesh was highlighted as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The event also welcomed German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, acknowledging Germany’s deep cinematic legacy and the strong reception German films receive among IFFK audiences. Vietnam is the country focus this year, coinciding with 50 years since the Vietnam War, and filmmaker Bui Thac Chuyen will be honoured.

Spanish actress Ángela Molina, known for her work with filmmakers like Luis Buñuel and Pedro Almodóvar, is also attending as part of the international competition jury.

Describing the gathering as a convergence of nations that have “fought and endured”, Cherian said the milestone edition would offer delegates a memorable cinematic experience.