180 films from 64 nations to feature at IFFK

A total of 180 films from 64 countries will enthrall audiences in the Kerala capital as the 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) begins on Friday.

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain will be the main attraction at the opening ceremony at the Nishagandhi auditorium.

The city's 13 venues will play host to the 12,000 delegates, besides foreign attendees, jury and the media till December 11.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will light the ceremonial lamp for the event, where more than 50 films will make their Indian premiere.

Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui, an icon of the New Wave movement in his country in the 1970s, will be honoured with the life time achievement award, which will be followed by the screening of the inaugural film "Wolf Totem".

There will be facilities like televised updates on seat availability at venues as well as transport between venues.

Soorya Krishnamoorthy, founder-director of the Soorya Stage and Film society, has conceptualised the events of Friday evening.

Delegates will be able to engage in discourses with filmmakers. There will also be open forums, 'Meet the Director' sessions, panel discussions and seminars.

The 'contemporary master in focus' this year is French-Romany director Tony Gatlif.