The Kerala Film Exhibitors’ Federation (KFEF) will now have its headquarters in the city, with the opening of the federation’s new office here on Monday.
The founding office-bearers of KFEF were honoured at the inaugural function of the office that was set up at Narakathara Road opposite Shenoy’s cinema hall.
During the inaugural function, former office-bearers of the federation, as well as representatives of the Producers’ Association and Distributors’ Association stressed the need for a unified effort from all the film associations for the welfare of cinema.
“There will be difference of opinion among the individuals who represent exhibitors, producers and distributors. But when it comes to the welfare of cinema, we should stay united and fight for our rights,” said former secretary of KFEF and film producer Ziyad Koker.
While offering felicitation, former vice-president of the Federation of International Film Producers’ Association P V Gangadharan said that more films are releasing nowadays following the new-generation wave of filmmaking.
“Hence more theatres are required to meet the demand. With the multiplex culture slowly taking hold in cities, we should think of innovative ways to improve the quality of our theatres to attract more people,” he added.
In his presidential address, KFEF president Liberty Basheer criticised the Malayalam cine artists for staying away from the inaugural function.
“It is through the big screen at theatres that they attain stardom. Without theatres and exhibitors, they will have no fame. Yet they are neglecting the exhibitors,” Basheer added.
The founders of the federation, including Jose K Francis, S Chandran, producer G Sureshkumar, KFDC chairman Sabu Cherian, script writer S N Swamy, producer Milan Jaleel and director Vinayan were also present on the occasion.