THIRUVANANTHAPURAM :It is going to be an IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala) sans the so-called ‘entertainment’ factor. IFFK, the pride of Kerala will be organised with a new look from this year, says Rajeev Nath, the newly-appointed chairman of Kerala State Chalachithra Academy (KSCA).
“It is found that so many unnecessary functions had been part of the festival till last year. For example, during the inaugural ceremony and valedictory functions there were unnecessary stage shows and dance programmes organised. Of the total budget of Rs 5 crore, around Rs 58 lakh was spent for such programmes alone. Such ‘entertainment’ programmes were avoidable. This year no such programmes will be staged and academy won’t entertain performances which are not directly linked with movies during the festival’,” Rajeev Nath said in an exclusive interaction with ‘Express’ before taking the reins of the Academy on Monday.
This time the Academy will conduct IFFK with a budget of around `4 crore. “We have to pay for all films screened in the festival, except those in the competition section. Instead of spending money for unnecessary functions, we can use it to fetch movies. The money spend on hospitality section will be regulated,” he said.
At all international film festivals, accommodation is provided for guests for a maximum of three days. But till last year the guests of IFFK were provided hospitality for around five days. This is unnecessary and will also be regulated, Rajeev Nath said, adding that this year’s festival will follow and implement the recommendations put forward by the Adoor committee.
The festival will screen a maximum of 120 films and will try to reduce the number of theatres in which films are screened.
“This festival is like my baby; About 18 years ago, I was the one who took the initiative to conduct an International festival under Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC). It was organised at Kozhikode with a budget of mere `25 lakh. It will be an attempt to regain the ‘good name’ of the festival by screening ‘good cinema’,” said the national award-winning filmmaker.
Asked why he took the challenge to head an Academy which is in the midst of troubles, Rajeev replied: ‘’I felt the offer made to me was an appreciation to people who believe in good cinema; it’s a recognition to them.”
The academy will take the initiative to get a permanent office for KSCA. “The academy has been functioning in various rented buildings. Hence archiving good cinemas is not practical.
“The academy will hold a meeting with Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan to construct a permanent office building at KINFRA park. Steps to commence the construction works of the festival complex will also start soon,” he said.
“All my decisions and steps would be to promote good cinema,” Rajeev said.