Crowds flaunting their ID tag like an ornament and festival kits on their shoulder, the flock of so-called ‘intellectuals’ running passionately from theatre to theatre, small gathering animatedly discussing world classics in corners and tea shops, the scenes at the venues of International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) were not seen in Kochi.
But, the first edition of the Kochi International Film Festival (KIFF), on Sunday, began with discerning art-house fans making a beeline for the event. The city too was in a holiday mood and more delegates including students, who form the crux of the viewers, are expected to attend the festival in the coming days and the festival venues are expected to be more lively from Monday.
The screenings began by 2 pm though the official inauguration of the Kochi Film Fest was held later in the evening. The Laotian movie ‘At The Horizon’ was screened at Sangeetha theatre. It unfolded the story of Sin, a rich boy, and the vengeance of another man Lud who lost his wife and child in an accident. The director Anysay Keola had struggled a lot to get his film screened in festivals as Laotian authorities do not permit violence in movies. This is the first time that a Laotian movie is being screened in India and ‘At The Horizon’ turned out to be a novel experience for the viewers. La Playa screened in Sreedhar Cinemas also received a good response.
However, the delegates were complaining about the non-availability of festival booklets and schedule from the festival office. More delegates are expected for films to be screened in the coming days and booklets would be in demand.
With memories of other film festivals alive, the majority of the delegates would be hunting for the booklet first, simply to take part in hot discussions than watching the movie. The organisers too may be aware of this for they have already announced that the schedule and synopsis will be available at the venues from Monday.
So the initial drawbacks can be forgiven, and let the festival bells ring from Monday. Let Kochi too witness the same film-scholarly gangs, romantic corners, hot discussions at open forums and moreover, the magical frames of world cinema in the coming days.