Zakir Hussain headlines IFFK's opening ceremony

The world-renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain will be the Guest of Honour of the opening ceremony of the 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

Hussain will serenade the august gathering of dignitaries and delegates at Nishagandhi auditorium with his extensive repertoire of 'uthan's, 'qaida's and 'rela's, among other forms and compositions.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will light the lamp, kicking off both the ceremony and the week-long gala of film and artistic expression and appreciation.

Highlights of the occasion include the felicitation of eminent filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui, spearhead of the Iranian New Wave movement in the 1970s with the IFFK's Lifetime Achievement Award for his body of work and contribution to Iran's cinematic renaissance.

The opening film will be French director Jean-Jacques Annaud's 3-D spectacular 'Wolf Totem.'

Preceding the film viewing will be the unveiling of the festival's Signature Film a 25-second haiku on the subtle interplay of light and shadow. A much-awaited IFFK staple, the signature film has traditionally encapsulated the festival's philosophy and attitude.

IFFK 2015, Kerala's premier film festival, runs from December 4 - 11.