A thought-provoking film for students

T‘puram: The 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) wrapped up its final day with a heartwarming initiative. A group of children from Govt Cotton Hill GHSS and other schools had the opportunity to watch the thought-provoking film Kalam Standard 5B at the festival's special viewing room. The film, directed by Liju Mitran Mathew, is a bilingual creation in Hindi and Malayalam that explores themes of unity, hope and resilience.Produced by Tom Jacob under Annmaria Productions and Lalji Creations, the story follows Ali, a Malayali who moved to North India as a child and never returned to Kerala. Through his children, Ali preserves the values of religious harmony and cultural traditions that he holds dear. Set against the backdrop of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the narrative highlights Ali's fear of losing his citizenship.Amid the family's struggles, his son Kalam's intellectual effort bring change, symbolising hope for an India grappling with contemporary issues. Jacob shared his plans to take the film's inspiring message to a broader audience, "We aim to screen Kalam Standard 5B in schools across Kerala using LED screens to enlighten students, just like the film's lead character. This film carries a vital message and I believe it will leave a lasting impact." Jacob, who was dedicated to children's welfare for over 30 years, previously screened the film for students of Holy Angels Convent and for students with disabilities from the Different Arts Centre. Filmed in Dewas and nearby areas of Madhya Pradesh, the film, features a cast including Tom Jacob, Angelo Cristiano, Nimisha Nair and several others. The film's music, composed by Navneet S Kumar, enhances its emotional depth.The students from govt Cotton Hill GHSS attended the screening with the motto Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family), reflecting the film's core theme of unity beyond barriers of religion, caste or class.