Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister for Culture Saji Cherian reiterated the state government’s solidarity with the survivor of the sexual assault case while inaugurating the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) here on Friday.
On a day when intense debate erupted over the quantum of punishment awarded to the convicts, he said that the festival “has always stood by her” and recalled the standing ovation she received during the 26th edition of IFFK. He added that both Kerala and the government remain unwavering in their support and that the festival stands by all those who fight for justice.

The minister’s open declaration of support for the survivor was made a day after Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Vice Chairperson Cuckoo Parameswaran tried to disassociate the festival from the tense debate surrounding the verdict in the actress assault case. She described it as “something between two individuals whose profession is cinema” and suggested it has no bearing on IFFK. Speaking to Onmanorama on the sidelines of the festival, she appeared to distance the event from the crime that reshaped gender politics in Malayalam cinema.

The 30th edition of the IFFK opened at Nishagandhi with the symbolic lighting of 30 lamps. The eight-day festival will run until December 19 and features 206 films from 82 countries across 26 categories, with screenings scheduled in 16 theatres across the state capital.

In his address, Saji Cherian acknowledged the presence of Palestine Ambassador Abdullah M Abu Shawesh and highlighted the second Pinarayi Vijayan government’s contributions to Malayalam cinema, including the formation of a new film policy, hosting the cinema conclave and the renovation of Chithranjali Studio.

He also paid tribute to filmmaker Shaji N Karun, describing him as a guiding force behind the festival’s vision. Palestine Ambassador Shawesh and German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann attended the ceremony as guests of honour.

Cuckoo Parameswaran presided over the ceremony, while Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín attended as the chief guest.

The minister presented the Spirit of Cinema Award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. The honour carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a sculpture and a commendation certificate. He also released Karunayude Camera (Camera of Compassion), a book on the late Shaji N Karun, handing the first copy to his wife Anasuya Shaji.

Spanish actor and Jury member Ángela Molina released the festival handbook, presenting it to Vietnamese filmmaker and fellow Jury member Bui Thac Chuyen.
Filmmaker Rajeev Nath, who completed 50 years in cinema, received a special felicitation from the culture minister.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Academy Chairperson Resul Pookutty were unable to attend the ceremony due to prior commitments.

Following the formal proceedings, Palestine 36, the opening film of the IFFK, directed by Annemarie Jacir, which portrays the resilience and history of the Palestinian people, was screened to a packed audience at Nishagandhi.