Thiruvananthapuram : The 28th International Film Festival of Kerala kick-started at the state capital by expressing solidarity with the people of war-torn Palestine. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan virtually inaugurated the festival at a grand event held at the Nishagandhi open air auditorium here on Friday. The event was presided by Minister for Culture Saji Cherian.
Vijayan said the festival uniquely "strives to stand in solidarity with the struggles of the Palestinian people", making it a rare distinction among film festivals. The chief minister also said that by conferring the 'Spirit of Cinema' Award to Kenyan artist Wanuri Kahiu, the state was expressing its commitment to support those who strive for freedom and expression.
"Kenya's history is rich with struggles including the Mau Mau rebellion, a prominent uprising in the history of anti-colonial movements. Even though the occupying forces have left Kenya, remnants of colonialism still remain in that land. Wanuri Kahiu, as a socially committed artist challenging taboos and objections, embodies the spirit of the resistance against such remnants," Vijayan said in his virtual address.
Mayor Arya Rajendran presented the "Spirit of Cinema' award to Kahiu. Actor Nana Patekar, the chief guest at the festival, spoke at the event and expressed his eagerness to be part of Malayalam cinema. More than 12,000 delegates are expected to participate in the eight-day festival where 175 international movies from 81 countries will be screened.