THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The first day of the much awaited International Film Festival of Kerala did not disappoint the delegates. The city was in the grip of a festive mood even though the organisers kept the celebrations to a minimum. The youth came in large numbers and thronged most of the venues associated with IFFK. But the favourite spot was the Tagore Theatre since it was the main venue.
They moved around the stalls set up on the premises, some making fashion statements, giving a festive spirit to the gathering. Celebrity visitors added charm to the gathering and provided an occasion for youngsters to click selfies with them. Director Dileesh Pothen and award-winning actress Rajisha Vijayan were seen interacting with fans. Actors from popular soap operas found an instant connect with the crowd.
It was an occasion for the regulars at the annual film festival in the city to rekindle their friendship and discuss the things they like in common. Some among the crowd could be seen going over to the parallel Indie festival organised by Kazhcha Indie Film Fest at Lenin Balavadi adjacent to the Tagore theatre.
People who came from far collected their delegate passes from the counters. The long queues suggest the popularity of the film festival across the state. Some could be seen disappointed since a series of passes issued recently by the Chalachitra Academy had not reached the counters. Many organisations in the city saw lower attendance since their staff came in groups to watch the movies.
The sprawling Kanakakunnu Place ground hosted the photography exhibition by photographer P David. Many yesteryear actors could be seen moving around reminiscing the good old days while watching their photographs. David, who spent 45 years in the film industry and has associated with over 150 movies, has put on display 120 photographs. The pictures chronicle 90 years of Malayalam movie industry. In the evening, the inaugural ceremony was held at Nishagandhi auditorium. Many came in to watch the opening film ‘Insult’ by Lebanese filmmaker Ziad Doueiri.