27th IFFK kicks off from today; CM Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate event at Nishagandhi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 27th edition of International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will kickstart from today. 186 films from 70 countries will be screened over eight days. Minister VN Vasavan informed in a press conference that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the festival at Nishagandhi Auditorium today at 3.30 pm.

The British Film Institute's resident pianist Jonny Best will be the special guest. The Chief Minister will present the 'Spirit of Cinema' award to director Mahnaz Mohammadi, who is fighting for the rights of Iranian women. As Mahnaz cannot attend in person due to travel restrictions, Greek filmmaker and jury member Athena Rachel Tsangari will receive the award. Minister Sivankutty will release the festival book by presenting it to Minister Antony Raju. Minister GR Anil will present the festival bulletin to Mayor Arya Rajendran and VK Prashanth MLA will present the festival edition of the ‘Chalachithra Sameeksha’ to KSFDC Chairman Shaji N Karun. After the inauguration ceremony, there will be a sitar concert by Purbayan Chatterjee, followed by the screening of the inaugural film.

Screening films

• Opening film - Tori and Lokita (Belgium, France joint venture)
• In the international competition section -14
• In the Malayalam movie today category - 12
• In the Indian Cinema Now section - 7
• In world cinema category - 78
• First screening - 12
• Total theatres - 14