IFFK delegate pass distribution begins

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The distribution of delegate passes for IFFK-2016 began at Tagore theatre here on Wednesday. Minister for culture AK Balan handed over the first delegate pass to actor Manju Warrier. Reinforcing the transgender friendly initiatives of IFFK organisers, transgender activist Sheetal Shyam received the pass from Manju Warrier. Sheetal said that in a society where they are distanced from their own family and are deprived of education, it is good to see that cinema offers them a space. '' I thank you for the space you have given us. When IFFK reserved online registration for the third gender, many of us did not have bank accounts for the transaction. I had to seek the help of a person to get my name registered for IFFK,'' she recalled.Sheetal also appealed to the people to promote films like 'Ka bodyscapes' in which she has acted and which is being screened at IFFK. '' The film is an open assault at the pseudo-moral standards of Malayalees. It is essential that such films get promoted,''she said. Kamal, chairman of Kerala state Chalachithra academy said that the number of delegates for 21st IFFK is the biggest in the history. '' It is a tough challenge for us especially when there are 9000 seats and over 13,000 delegates. We are hopeful that the floating nature of delegates would help us deal with the problem,'' said Kamal.