12th IFFK begins

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 7 (UNI) The 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) began here today with the screening of Hena Makmalbaf's film ''Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame''.

Actor Kamal Hassan lit the traditional lamp in the presence of Kerala Education and Culture Minister M A Baby and Chilean filmmaker Miguel Littn and Malayalam actor Mohan Lal at Nisagandhi auditorium here, marking the beginning of the eight-day-long film festival.

On the occasion, Mr Baby honoured 12 eminent film personalities, who had contributed to the growth of Malayalam cinema in 1960s.

As many as 231 films from over 54 countries would be screened in the festival, which would be attended by over 7,000 delegates.

For the first time in the 12-year-long history of the festival, five major film production companies were participating in the festival to explore trade and commercial possibilities.

A five-member jury with Iranian Director Jafar Fanahi as its Chairman and famous African actress Naky Sy Savene, Polish playwright Agneizka Holland, actor Naseeruddin Shah and Cuban Film Academy Director Rigoberto Lopez as members would select the winning film in the festival.

UNI