IFFK 2025 begins today in Thiruvananthapuram: 206 films from 82 countries

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) kicks off today. Over the next eight days, 206 films from 82 countries will be showcased in 16 theatres across the capital city.

The inaugural ceremony will be held at 6 PM at the Nishagandhi Auditorium, with Minister Saji Cherian officially opening the festival. Film Academy Vice Chairperson Kukku Parameswaran will chair the event. Renowned Chilean director Pablo Larraín will attend as the chief guest.

Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh and German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann will be special guests.

The Spirit of Cinema Award will be presented to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall by Minister Saji Cherian. The award includes Rs 5 lakh, a sculpture, and a citation.

The book 'Karunayude Camera', about filmmaker Shaji N. Karun, will be released by the minister and handed over to Anasooya Shaji.

The festival’s Daily Bulletin will be released by renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who will hand it over to Cultural Department Director Dr Divya S. Iyer. The special edition of Chalachitra Sameeksha will be released by director Kamal, who will hand it to Beena Paul.

Director Rajeev Nath, who has completed 50 years in cinema, will be honoured by the minister. The Film Academy’s book Thanal, on Rajeev Nath, will be released by T.K. Rajeev Kumar and handed to K. Madhu.

Chief Secretary Dr. Jayathilak, Film Academy Secretary C. Ajoy, and General Council member Sohan Seenulal will speak at the event.

Palestine 36, directed by Annemarie Jacir, will be screened at Nishagandhi during the inaugural function.

Film Academy Chairman Resul Pookutty will not attend the inauguration as he is in London for work related to a film.