New IFFK theater complex to be built in two years

An announcement from the government in this regard is expected soon

Thiruvananthapuram: The state is to get a new venue to host international film festivals. After years of waiting for a permanent venue, film lovers would get to enjoy IFFK films at the proposed festival complex at Chitranjali Studio.

An announcement from the government in this regard is expected soon. Officials told Manorama Online that the new complex would be built within the 15-acre complex of Chitranjali Studio. The project is to be worth about Rs 100 crores. While the government would provide Rs 50 crores, the remaining is to be sourced through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), a statutory body formed under state's finance department. Construction is expected to be completed in two years.

Seven theaters are to be built with modern amenities. Facilities for open forums, discussions and press meets would also be set up. The move could also see the film archives and library being shifted to the new complex.

Earlier, plots at Aakkulam and Kowdiar were selected for setting up the complex. During the term of the previous government, it was planned to set up the festival complex in a 2.5 acre plot at Aakkulam. Private companies had submitted proposals for setting up the complex. Plans were to let out the complex for other purposes after film festivals were concluded. The plot was selected to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. However, the current government has opted for the Chitranjali complex at Thiruvallam.

It is estimated that about 13,000 people take part in the film festival involving 13 theaters in the capital. The new complex is being built keeping in mind the possible increase in the number of delegates in the coming years.