The enchanting four-day Thalassery International Film Festival has officially drawn to a close, culminating in a vibrant celebration of world cinema at the Liberty Theatre complex on Sunday, October 19. Organized by the esteemed Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, the event proved to be a cinematic feast for enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
The closing ceremony was graced by Minister O.R. Kelu, who formally brought the festival to its conclusion. A highlight of the evening was Speaker A.N. Shamseer’s presence, where he honored the distinguished national award-winning actor, Vijayaraghavan. Throughout its run, the festival proudly showcased a collection of 55 exceptional international films, providing a diverse window into global storytelling. Adding a significant cultural dimension, an exhibition celebrated the enduring legacy of Malayalam literary and cinematic icon, M.T. Vasudevan Nair.
Among the films that captivated audiences, Alexander Pugno’s Human Animal, Antonella Sudasassi Furniss’s Memories of a Burning Body, and Santosh & Satish Babusenan’s Mukhakannadi garnered considerable attention. Malayalam cinema was also well-represented with compelling entries such as V.K. Afrad’s Riptide, V.C. Abhilash’s A Pan Indian Story, and Abhilash Babu’s Mayannu, Marivarayunnu, Nishwasmadil. The expansive lineup further included notable screenings like Lovable, I Am Still Here, Humans in the Loop, The Room Next Door, In the Name of Fire, Second Chance, and Meeting with Pol Pot, each offering unique perspectives and narratives.
A poignant moment of the festival was a heartfelt tribute paid to the legendary music director K. Raghavan of Thalassery, marking his 12th death anniversary. C. Ajoy presented a moving commemorative resolution in his honor. Complementing the cinematic offerings, the “Kaalam; Mayachithrangal” exhibition beautifully captured the immense literary contributions of the celebrated Malayalam stalwart, M.T. Vasudevan Nair.
The festival’s final day was enriched with an engaging open forum, providing a platform for filmmakers to connect and share insights. This was followed by a stimulating discussion program and a captivating musical performance, ensuring a memorable conclusion to the event. The inaugural ceremony itself was presided over by Thalassery Municipality Chairperson K.M. Jamunarani, with active participation from local panchayat presidents, producers, and various members of the Chalachitra Academy, underscoring the community’s strong support for the arts.