The much-awaited 25th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala has begun. To add to the excitement of cinephiles, this year the event has lined up 22 films in the World Cinema category.
Keeping COVID-19 protocols in mind, the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy will host the event in four different regions&mdashThiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thalassery, and Palakkad. The same movies will be screened at the venues.
Award-winning historical drama Wife of a Spy, directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa is one of the films that is included in the schedule. Inspired by the Belgian contemporary artists Wim Delvoye&rsquos living work Tim, The Man who Sold his Skin directed by Kaouther Ben Hania will also be screened. The film premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival&rsquos Horizons section. Ahmad Bahrami&rsquos Iranian film, The Wasteland, depicting the story of a brick factory supervisor and the workers who are told that the boss is planning to shut down the factory, is another gem that will be screened.
Some of the other highlights in the category include Italian director Uberto Pasolini&rsquos Nowhere Special, Israeli director Amos Gitai&rsquos Laila in Haifa, Hong Sang-soo&rsquos The Woman who Ran, Christian Petzold&rsquos Undine, Francois Ozon&rsquos Summer of 85, and Ye Lou&rsquos Saturday Fiction.
If you are planning to attend, know that it is mandatory for all registered participants to get the COVID-19 antigen test. A theatre technical committee has been appointed to evaluate the screens and ensure that all safety norms are being followed inside the theatres hosting the festival. Air-conditioning levels are also being maintained. With regards to seating arrangements, delegates are required to reserve their seats one day prior to the screening of the movies. Seat numbers are being given via e-mail and SMS.
