Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 14 (UNI) The 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) began with much fanfare as the inaugural film, I Am Still Here, was screened to a packed audience at the Nishagandhi Auditorium following the grand opening ceremony held on Friday evening.
The Portuguese-language film, directed by acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salas, is a poignant collaboration between Brazil and France.
Set in the turbulent 1970s under Brazil’s military dictatorship, I Am Still Here portrays the anguish of Eunice Paiva, a mother of five searching for her missing husband, a dissident political activist.
Through her perspective, Salas explores the deep scars inflicted on a nation during a dark period of its history. The film, which has garnered numerous international awards, resonated strongly with the audience at IFFK, receiving widespread acclaim.
In addition to the inaugural film, 10 other films were screened across six theatres on the first day, beginning at 9:30 am. Highlights included the German film Shaheed and Formosa Beach, a Brazilian-Portuguese venture, both under the World Cinema category.
The Female Gaze segment featured Lovable from Norway and When the Phone Rang from Serbia, emphasising women’s perspectives in filmmaking.
Other notable screenings were Julie Rhapsody from Hong Kong, showcased as part of the Lifetime Achievement category, and Anna and Dante, a Mexican film featured in the Latin American package. Films from France, Romania, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic also drew delegate attention, adding to the festival’s rich cultural mix.
The enthusiastic participation of delegates set an energetic tone for the festival’s start. With its diverse lineup of films spanning multiple genres and countries, the IFFK reaffirmed its reputation as a global platform for cinematic excellence.
