Big viewer response to Kerala film fest

The 19th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) to be held here next month will witness the record participation of around 10,000 delegates this year.
As many as 9,812 delegates had been registered for the festival this year against 9,400 last year, State Minister of Cinema Thiruvanchur Radhakrishan told reporters here today.
"This is an all-time record in the history of the festival. The number of registered delegates was 9,400 in 2013 and 7,000 in 2012," he said.
A total of 140 films would be screened in seven theatres in the city during the week-long fest, he said.

Replying to queries on the recommendation of eminent director Adoor Gopalakrishnan for imposing certain norms on issuing delegate passes, Radhakrishnan said the government has decided to issue passes to all registered delegates and no one would be denied entry into the festival.
He also said it was unfortunate that a renowned director like Adoor had been dragged into the controversy for certain suggestions he made with good intentions.
A comment by Adoor that ability to read English sub-titles is desirable to appreciate movies to be screened in the festival has sparked a row with section of the Malayalam film fraternity dubbing it as "elitist."

Adoor, however, said his words were misinterpreted by a section of the media as he had never said knowledge of English was essential to appreciate films to be screened at the festival.