Art to heal wounds: IFFK to feature 160 films from 72 countries

As the state is steadily recovering from the ravages of the flood, the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala, which commences on 7th December, will feature over 160 films from 72 countries. 11 packages of films including 'The Human Spirit: Films on Hope and Rebuilding' which reflects the efforts of overcoming struggles, will be screened as part of the festival. The category includes six films - Jayaraj's 'Vellapokkathil', Mel Gibson's 'Apocalypto', Benh Zeitlin's 'Beasts of The Southern Wind', Fisher Steven's 'Before The Flood', Justin Chadwick's 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom', and Wim Wenders's 'Pope Francis: A Man of His Word'.

Kerala, though was struck hard by the unexpected rainfall and deluge, thanks to its united, systematic approach and response, is racing up the lane of recovery. It is in this occasion that the theme of the festival itself was made the same – a token of hope to those who have lost all optimism. 14 films including Luis Ortega’s ‘El Angel’, and Praveen Morchhale’s ‘Widow of Silence’, will feature in the International Competition category. Two Malayalam films – ‘Ee. Ma. Yau.’, and ‘Sudani from Nigeria’, will also be part of the section. Under the Bergman Centenary Package, eight films by the master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman will also be part of the fest.

Six films by Czech filmmaker Milos Forman, will be brought to screens under the ‘Remembering the Master’ package. The ‘Retrospective’ category will have six films by director Lenin Rajendran. In the ‘Malayalam Cinema Today’ package, twelve films including ‘Parava’. ‘Bhayanakam’, ‘Mayaanadhi’, and ‘Eeda’ will be screened.