Kozhikode to Host RIFFK Regularly, Confirms Minister

### quick summary

– Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas advocated for making Kozhikode a regular venue for the Regional International Film Festival of Kerala (RIFFK), citing eager public reception.
– The four-day festival, held from August 8 to 11 in Kozhikode after a seven-year hiatus, saw high delegate participation, with over 1,500 registered attendees and screenings frequently enough playing to packed houses across three theatres.
– Open Forum discussion sessions hosted lively debates and drew large audiences.- An exhibition titled *Kalam Mayachitrangal* honored the cinema journey of M.T. Vasudevan Nair; his film *Oru vadakkan Veeragadha* was screened as a tribute along with insights on its producer and cinematographer.
– The festival showcased 58 films under multiple categories such as World Cinema, Indian Cinema Now, Malayalam cinema Now, Festival Favourites, Female Gaze, Lifetime Achievement awards & Kaleidoscope. Shabana Azmi’s film *Ankur* was featured in festivity of her fifty years in cinema.
– Key officials present included newly appointed Kerala State Film Development corporation Chairman K. madhu and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Premkumar.

—

### Indian Opinion Analysis

The successful return of RIFFK to Kozhikode highlights the city’s cultural vibrancy and cinephile community’s enthusiasm for regional and global cinema. The inclusion of diverse categories like Female Gaze underscores progressive trends within the art form alongside efforts at honoring long-standing contributors like Shabana azmi and MT Vasudevan Nair.Making Kozhikode a permanent venue could boost local tourism while cementing its status as a significant cultural hub for north Kerala.Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas’ proposal aligns with broader goals aimed at decentralizing cultural events from urban centers like kochi or Trivandrum to smaller cities equally capable of meaningful engagement with artistic initiatives locally & fostering regional connections globally.”

For further information refer full article-source “