Daily Updates

The 30th edition of IFFK is all set to begin this evening with a grand inauguration ceremony at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. The highly anticipated eight-day festival will open at 6 PM today, marking the start of a cinematic celebration that will run through December 19. Featuring 206 films from 82 countries across 26 categories, the festival will be held in 16 theatres around the capital city.

Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian will inaugurate the grand ceremony at 6 PM today at the Nishagandhi Auditorium, where Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Vice Chairperson Cuckoo Parameswaran will preside. Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín will attend as the Chief Guest, and Palestine Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh along with German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann will be the Guests of Honour.

The opening ceremony will also include the presentation of the prestigious Spirit of Cinema Award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. This award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to global cinema, includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a sculpture, and a commendation certificate. In a special moment, Minister Saji Cherian will release Karunayude Camera (Camera of Compassion), a book dedicated to the work of legendary director Shaji N Karun. A copy of the book will be handed over to Anasuya Shaji, the director's spouse.
The festival's handbook will be unveiled by Spanish actor and Jury member Ángela Molina, who will present the first copy to Jury member Bui Thac Chuyen from Vietnam. Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan will release the Daily Bulletin, passing it on to Dr. Divya S. Iyer, Director of the Culture Department. Additionally, a special edition of Chalachithra Sameeksha will be launched by director Kamal, who will hand it over to Bina Paul, the renowned editor and festival curator.

The evening will also honor Malayalam cinema veteran Rajeev Nath, who celebrates 50 years in the industry this year. A book on his career, titled Thanal (Shade), will be released by T K Rajeev Kumar, who will present a copy to filmmaker K Madhu. Prominent personalities, including Chief Secretary Dr. A Jayathilak, Chalachitra Academy Secretary C Ajoy, and General Council member Sohan Seenulal, will address the gathering. Madhupal and Film Chamber President Anil Thomas are also expected to attend.

The ceremony will conclude with a screening of Palestine 36, directed by Annemarie Jacir. The film, which portrays the history and resistance of the Palestinian people, will be shown at Nishagandhi Auditorium.