The festival is scheduled to conclude on December 15, with veteran actor Prakash Raj serving as the chief guest for the closing ceremony.
Krzysztof Zanussi, known for his thought-provoking films, also emphasised its potential harm to the creative process.
The 28th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala, hosted by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, commenced on December 8. The festival opened with the Sudanese film Goodbye Julia and featured notable moments, including Anurag Kashyap presenting his film, Kennedy. Renowned Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award this year. During an In Conversation Session, Zanussi expressed his belief that politics should not infiltrate art; instead, art should be appreciated purely as art.
Zanussi remarked, “Films with a political side hide reality, and art can only be seen as art,” during the conversation with critic CS Venkateswaran. Known for his thought-provoking films, Zanussi emphasized the potential harm to the creative process when politics is forced into artistic expression. Regardless of the medium, be it celluloid or digital, he highlighted that the essence lies in content and context. According to Zanussi, the search for meaning in life is eternal in the narrative, allowing for interpretations that may seek to find or disprove the sense, with both approaches considered legitimate and inspiring.
Discussing recurring themes in his works, Zanussi touched on the intertwining of science and religion. He reflected on the dichotomy of something existing or nothing existing, expressing hope for something beyond the material world. Zanussi asserted that faith is a personal choice, and for him, opting for belief in something is a more favourable decision.
The festival is scheduled to conclude on December 15, with veteran actor Prakash Raj serving as the chief guest for the closing ceremony at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram at 6 pm. Cuban Ambassador Alejandro Simancas Marin, along with filmmakers Jorge Luis Sanchez and Alejandro Gil, and producer Rosa Maria Valdez, representing the International Jury, will be honoured at the closing ceremony alongside Cuban delegates.
The International Film Festival of Kerala has been a platform for diverse cinematic expressions, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles to celebrate and explore the world of cinema.