a chat with Beena Paul

Looking Back at IFFK
By Swetha Antony

IFFK, this annual celebration of film images, is into its 13th edition this year. Where does it stand among other such festivals? What are its hopes and apprehensions? Snippets from a chat with Bina Paul Venugopal, the artistic director of the Festival.

As a film festival, where exactly do we stand now?

BPV: Basically ours is a small festival which is organised with a limited budget. Even the facilities in the theatres are not of international standards. These are limitations. Still it draws huge crowds because of the way it is organised; besides the films, there is an ambience here that draws international attention.

The people of Kerala are familiar with the world of international cinema, but how far has Malayalam cinema succeeded in reaching out?

BPV: I think Malayalam cinema has an ingenious history, a process of growth rooted in our own tradition. This year we did have many films from here. But the crowds are attracted to the films from outside, like Iran or Turkey. Indian films and Malayalam films fail to draw crowds here. Even new attempts are not received well by our own people.

What about the retrospective packages? Do they have enough depth so that the viewer is able get to know about a master?

BPV: Of course not… but it is very difficult to get copies of all the films. Last year, we found it difficult to showcase a filmmaker like Pedro Almodóvar, who has made several films. So, we are forced to show some of their works in the form of DVDs; even if the film prints are available, they do not have English subtitles. There is also financial constraint for increasing the numbers.

The last three years have seen an increase in the number of delegates. Has this affected the selection process of films?

BPV: We have to cater to all sections of people who come here. There are students who might be coming for the first time, people with different kinds of interest in films; all of them have to be considered. Besides films screened in the "World Cinema" section are expensive, and are limited to two screenings. Considering the fact that we have five shows in nine venues, it would be difficult if we compromise on the number of films. Even international festivals like Berlin screen around 300 films.

We are amidst a digital revolution of sorts. DVDs are easily available, we have several options to download films. Has this affected the festival in any way?

BPV: No. For one, I believe most people come here for the experience that the festival offers. Watching a film on the big screen is not the same as watching it at home in DVD format. I think those who love a particular film, can go and buy the DVDs. But it has not affected the festival in any way. What is special about a festival like this is the whole atmosphere that surrounds it. Viewing a film along with the directors and the crew, interacting with them etc are something only a festival can offer. Nothing else can beat that.

Swetha Antony
© FIPRESCI