THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 28th International Film Festival began with a declaration of solidarity with the Palestinian people. When Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who inaugurated the festival online, said that the Palestine Solidarity Films in the festival also inform the world of Kerala's solidarity with the Palestinian people, the audience at Nishagandhi Auditorium burst into applause. Saji Cherian's presidential speech was also online. Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, the chief guest, lit the first light on the lamp.

The Chief Minister said that IFFK will be at par with any film festival in the world in terms of the political content of the films screened. This year's Spirit of Cinema award goes to Kenyan director Wanuri Kahiu. Wanuri Kahiu is an artist fighting against taboos and censorship in a Kenyan context where remnants of colonialism remain. The Chief Minister said that by honouring this artist, the film festival and our state are standing with her.

Mayor Arya presented the Spirit of Cinema Award to Wanuri Kahiu. Good Bye Julia was screened as the opening film.