Rousing start to IFFK 2016

Though the first show at Tagore Theatre was slated to begin at 10 AM, a motley crowd had gathered at the venue.
Agriculture Minister V S Sunilkumar releasing balloons as part of the official announcement of  IFFK at Shanghumugham.
Agriculture Minister V S Sunilkumar releasing balloons as part of the official announcement of IFFK at Shanghumugham.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “I would be late for office today. But I am glad to have watched a movie that would be etched in my mind for the next few days,” said S Arun, an employee with a private firm who hurriedly headed for office after watching 'Indivisible'  at the 21st edition of International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

He was just one among the hundreds of film buffs who thronged the main venue at Tagore Theatre and four other venues in the State capital for the first show on day one, hours before the formal inaugural ceremony of the prestigious film festival. 

'Indivisible', the Italian film that deals with the agony of an 18-year-old conjoined twins melted the hearts of the viewers. Many were left teary-eyed at the end and the movie predictably got a rousing applause from the audience.

Though the first show at Tagore Theatre was slated to begin at 10 AM, a motley crowd had gathered at the venue since 8 AM and by 9.30 AM, a serpentine queue had formed at the premises. Movie lovers, were spotted carrying the popular ‘film festival bags’ and festival booklet, engaged in serious discussions, unmindful of the mercury levels slowly rising.  The other venues, Kairali, Sree, and Nila and Kalabhavan at Vazhuthacaud also witnessed good turnout on day one.

A large number of students from various campuses were also seen at the venue in large numbers. Some gathered in circles for casual chit-chat, not bothering to find a place in the queue. Singer Yesudas and dubbing artist and actress  Bhagyalakshmi were among those who visited the Festival Office at Tagore Theatre early in the day. They met Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal and IFFK artistic director Bina Paul and wished all success for the fete.

Reservation Facility

The online and mobile reservation facility opened up by 11 AM and movie buffs were seen quickly booking seats for shows on Saturday. All the seats for the movie 'Ordinary People' at Kalabhavan were booked within hours of the launch of the facility. An IFFK mobile app also made things easier for the film buffs. The crowd is expected to increase over the weekend and also on Monday on account of Milad-e-Sherif holiday.

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The New Indian Express
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