Culture and Youth Minister Saji Cherian presents the Spirit of Cinema Award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshal in the presence of filmmakers Adoor Gopalakrishnan (left) and Pablo Larrain at the opening ceremony of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN
The opening event of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) turned into a platform to express solidarity with the survivor of the actor’s assault case. Hours after the trial court announced the sentence for the convicts, Culture Minister Saji Cherian opened his inaugural speech by declaring that the government was on the side of the survivors.
“Three years ago, a survivor took to this stage as the entire crowd stood and applauded her for her courage. IFFK has always stood ‘Avalkoppam’ (with her). Today I want to reiterate that Kerala and the state government stand in solidarity with her,” he said.
Referring to the opening film Palestine 36 and the package of Palestinian films at the festival, he said that Kerala stands with the oppressed people of Palestine. The minister led the dignitaries to light 30 lamps on the stage to mark the 30th year of the festival. Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, one of the guests of honour, thanked the people of Kerala for their “unequivocal support to the cause of Palestine”. “Tonight, through cinema, a small window opens into the soul of my people. The film tells us who planted the seeds of Palestinian misery. It was the United Kingdom, through the Balfour Declaration, without any legal, moral or historical right. It was the United Kingdom that paved the way for the ethnic cleansing of the original Palestinian people,” he said. Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain, the chief guest, praised the festival’s “wonderful selection of films”.
Spirit of Cinema Award
German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, the guest of honor, said that up to 25 German productions or co-productions are part of the festival. The Minister of Culture presented the Spirit of Cinema award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. The award includes a cash prize of ₹ 5 lakh, a statue and a certificate of appreciation. “This is an honor that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The core of my work is to stand up against the injustices that the black community faces. An injustice for one community is an injustice for all communities. When we fight for black lives, we fight for a world where every marginalized voice can stand up without fear. Through film, we can imagine the world we want to live in,” said FlleshaMar. Mr. Cherian published a book on filmmaker Shaji N. Karun titled Karunayude Camera (Camera of Compassion), handing over a copy to Anasuya Shaji.
The festival guide was published by Spanish actress and jury member Ángela Molina by handing it over to Vietnamese filmmaker and jury member Bui Thac Chuyen. The daily bulletin was launched by filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan by introducing it to Director of Culture Divya S. Iyer.
Filmmaker Kamal released a special edition of Chalachithra Sameeksha by handing over the cooy to Bina Paul, film editor and former art director of IFFK. Director Rajeev Nath, who completed 50 years in cinema, was felicitated at the function. Thanal (Shade), a book on Rajeev Nath prepared by the Academy, was released by filmmaker TK Rajeev Kumar, who handed over a copy to Kerala State Film Development Corporation Chairman K. Madhu. Chalachitra Academy Secretary C. Ajoy also addressed the gathering. After the inauguration, the film Palestine 36 directed by Annemarie Jacir was screened at Nishagandhi.
The eight-day festival will present 206 films from 82 countries in 26 categories, with screenings scheduled in 16 cinemas across the capital until 19 December.
Published – 12 Dec 2025 20:47 IST
