IFFK kicks off in Thiruvananthapuram

While the grand colourful opening ceremony was missing this year, the 23rd edition of

International Film Festival of Kerala

still had enough fanfare when it commenced on Friday.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the prestigious event which was followed by a candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the floods earlier this year.
The ceremony also honoured renowned Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bengali filmmaker Budhdhadeb Dasgupta was the chief guest and actress and filmmaker Nandita Das was the guest of honour of the ceremony.
Culture minister AK Balan, festival director Kamal, executive director Mahesh Panju, Kerala State Chalachithra Academy vice-chairperson Beena Paul, Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran and city mayor VK Prasanth also addressed the event.

Photo Courtesy: Satheeshan Karicheri

Majid Majidi receiving lifetime achivement award