Kerala festival features 44 Covid-era films

Film buffs vying to get seats, discussions on current affairs, and screening of a host of award-winning films are making the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala not much different from the previous editions even as the State continues to be in the grip of Covid-19.

The pandemic is making the fest ever memorable in many ways, not just for strict compliance with social distancing norms. At least 44 films made either entirely or partially during the time of Covid-19 are being screened at the festival.

Owing to the unprecedented situation, the event is being held in four venues this time. While the Thiruvananthapuram leg concluded on February 14, the second phase is currently underway in Kochi and ends on February 21. Thalaserry in the Kannur district will host the event from February 23 to 27 before the Palakkad leg from March 1 to 5. Around 80 films from 30 countries are being screened at the festival.

The opening film ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’, on the Bosnian genocide of 1995, was entirely shot during the pandemic, and was well received at the festival. Mahesh Narayanan’s computer screen Malayalam film ‘C U Soon’, entirely shot on iPhone during the lockdown, was also screened.

National Award-winning filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery said the dreaded virus had radically changed people’s film habits. “It is the perfect time to explore various options like OTT platforms and virtual reality video content. What matters is the depth of the script and it doesn’t matter where you are watching it,” said Pelliserry, whose Malayalam film ‘Jallikattu’ was India’s official entry to Oscars this year.

Noted filmmaker Kamal, chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, said that Malayalis would be the largest society to hold films close to their hearts in the pandemic era.

IFFK is one of the few global film festivals that has not gone online. “This silver jubilee edition of IFFK is another testament to the importance Malayalis give to films,” said Pelliserry, whose flick ‘Churuli’ was world premiered at the festival. The film, which highlights the uncivilised contemplation of civilised people through the tale of two undercover cops who embark on a journey trailing a criminal, witnessed huge crowds. The film has received a mixed response from critics.

The decision to conduct the festival in four districts triggered allegations from various quarters that it was an attempt to sabotage the ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ brand earned in the international film festival field.

Kozhikode native Peethambaran, a regular at the festival, said hosting the event at four venues would benefit cinephiles from all parts of the state.

During an open forum on the topic ‘Is New India Resisting New Cinema’, indie filmmaker Arun Karthick said that freedom of expression was being questioned by the government by setting regulations on films and independent films have an uncertain future.

As many as 14 films, including four Indian films, are in the competition section.