Uproar over IFFK relocation: Film enthusiasts upset by talk of moving to Kochi
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports suggest there are attempts to shift the venue of the state capital’s premier cultural event, the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), to Kochi.
Speculation arose after the announcement of the J.C. Daniel International Film City, “Chitranagaram,” to be built in Kochi at a cost of ₹100 crore. A primary objective of this project is to create a permanent venue for hosting the international film festival. Every year, on the second Friday of December, film enthusiasts from within and outside Kerala flock to Thiruvananthapuram to experience the unique atmosphere of the IFFK and celebrate world cinema. Even when a proposal to build a permanent film festival complex in Thiruvananthapuram was previously discussed, many film lovers—including international guests—had expressed support for the existing festival format. Attempts to relocate the festival to Kozhikode had also been made during the tenure of the previous UDF government. Currently, this popular festival is held across 15 theaters in the capital city, with government-owned venues like Tagore, Kairali, Sree, Kalabhavan, and Neela serving as the main locations. Although government sources have indicated there are no immediate plans to move the IFFK from Thiruvananthapuram, the possibility of a venue shift could become a topic of discussion once ‘Chitranagaram’ becomes operational. Will Chitranjali be affected?
Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential impact of the proposed ‘Chitranagaram’ project in Kochi on the future plans for Chitranjali Studio. The state government is currently undertaking renovation work at Chitranjali Studio with an investment of ₹150 crore. The first phase of renovation, costing ₹63.6 crore, was completed in March. Upon completion of the renovation, Chitranjali is expected to emerge as a major hub for the production of Malayalam films, as well as films in other Indian languages and international cinema. Reports about moving the IFFK out of Thiruvananthapuram are baseless. The IFFK will continue in Thiruvananthapuram in all its grandeur.
