The 25th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) got off to a colourful start with state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurating it on February 10.
The inaugural function organised at the Nishagandhi theatre in the evening was unique, with 25 lamps lit to symbolise the 25 years of the festival. State Culture Minister A K Balan, Assembly speaker P Sriramakrishnan were present among others.
uncompromising political stance defines IFFK
Inaugurating the IFFK, the Chief Minister said that uncompromising political stance is what defines the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in the global cultural map. 
He said that the IFFK always existed for the oppressed, the marginalized and the ostracized, proof of which is the prioritised in the selection of African, Asian, and Latin American movies.
Vijayan said that the international competition category at the festival offered entry to movies only from the third world countries. This, in itself, is a stand against the cultural imperialism of American and European nations. Such a strong political stance is what differentiates IFFK from the other film festivals that focus more on the entertainment and amusement values of c
inema and completely ignores their political vision, he added.
Lifetime Achievement Award
He also mentioned that the Lifetime Achievement Award given to the directors who adopt a
progressive film approach is also part of a political stance. Jean-Luc Godard, who was awarded the Life time achievement award this year, is a pioneer in the transformation of world cinema. 
A major figure in the French New Wave film movement, his films echo his stance. Strong and strikingly political, Godard believed that the focus should be on making movies politically, and not making political movies, which makes him a rightful awardee to this honour, the Chief Minister noted.
The function was followed by the screening of the opening movie of the festival, ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ directed by Jasmila Zbanic. The film depicts the aftermath of the Bosnian genocide through a new perspective, revealing the origins of international conflict and the futility of war.
