Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the 27th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) by switching on the arc lights at Nishagandhi Auditorium here on Friday.
The Spirit of Cinema Award for the 27th IFFK was presented to Iranian filmaker and women’s rights activist Mahnaz Mohammadi during the occasion.
Greek filmmaker and International Competition Jury Member Athena Rachel Tsangari received the award from the Chief Minister on behalf of Mahnaz Mohammadi.
As Mahnaz Mohammadi was not able to attend the event because of travel restrictions, she sent a cut-off lock of her hair and the message ‘Women, Life, Freedom (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi)’ to the IFFK stage through Athena Rachel Tsangari
Nishagandhi Theatre hosted a mesmerizing Sitar Concert by Indian Sitar Maestro Purbayan Chatterjee following the inaugural ceremony. The performance is part of the Cultural Programmes held alongside the IFFK.
State Cooperation Minister VN Vasavan presided over the event, General Education Minister V Sivankutty presented the Festival Book to Transport Minister Antony Raju and Food and Civil Supplies Minister GR Anil presented the Festival Bulletin to Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor Arya Rajendran.
