At this time of year, Chennai may not be a cool place to wander outside. However, it has certainly turned out to be a sought-after hangout for movie buffs, thanks to the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF).
With back-to-back foreign film festivals lined up like never before, ICAF has made Chennai a film destination for movie lovers.
“Every year we have a minimum of two to three festivals, but this time it is more than five — all between April and June. This summer we are packed with film festivals covering a number of genres,” says E Thangaraj, general secretary, ICAF.
From European and Chinese films to less accessible Israeli films, you name it and you have it.
“ICAF has been working since 2003 towards getting movie lovers together to access movies from across the world. Lately we have been succeeding in our endeavours, meeting various em bassies at least once in three months to get access to their movies,” says Thangaraj, who points to the increase in the popularity of foreign films among youngsters. Foreign film festivals that have been a hit among old film lovers have struck a chord with youngsters after the success of the Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) in the last few years. The foundation, with more than 600 members, enrols at least 50 new young film buffs every year.
Starting with the European film festival that took place recently, there is a treat of sorts lined up for film buffs in the coming weeks.