29th IFFK set to dazzle cinephiles from tomorrow

T'puram: The state capital is abuzz with excitement as the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is set to open this Friday. Promising a good mix of global cinema, regional storytelling, and powerful narratives, the eight-day event is set to foster connectionsamong film enthusiasts. Meanwhile, actor Shabana Azmi, who celebrates 50 years of her career this year, will be the guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony.
This year's IFFK emphasises women-centric films and works by women filmmakers, with films like ‘The Girl with the Needle', which confronts patriarchal oppression, and ‘Me, Maryam, the Children, and 26 Others', a survival story reflecting resilience amid conflict.
The festival opens with ‘I Am Still Here', directed by Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles. The movie portrays a woman's desperate search for her missing husband during Brazil's military dictatorship in 1971, blending personal and political themes. The film has already received significant accolades, including best screenplay honour at the Venice Film Festival.
French filmmaker Golda Sellam, the festival's curator, has highlighted several must-watch films. Among them is the Iranian movie ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig', by Mohammad Rasoulof. This film explores familial tensions and political resistance during Iran's Woman, Life, Freedom protests. The movie was clandestinely filmed in Iran and the post-production was done in Germany. Another movie on her list is Pedro Almodóvar's ‘Room Next Door', a poignant story about love and loss. Jacques Audiard's ‘Emilia Pérez' offers a refreshing blend of musical comedy and gender identity exploration, centred on a drug lord's transformation.
Former Kerala State Chalachitra Academy movie consultant Thanzeer also shared his top picks. Notable entries include ‘Algiers', an exploration of resilience; ‘Baghdad Messi', which narrates hope amidst war; and ‘Black Dog' and ‘Crossing', both addressing migration and personal struggle. The festival also showcases local talent with Malayalam-language film ‘Sujo'. Other standout entries include Mongolian movie ‘If Only I Could Hibernate' and Iranian movie ‘In the Land of Brothers'.