Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 23 (UNI) The second day of the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, enthralled cinephiles with a powerful lineup of documentaries and short films that combined artistic innovation with strong socio-political narratives.
Screenings began at 9.15 am across the three main venues - Kairali, Sree and Nila theatres - drawing large and enthusiastic crowds. The day’s showcase featured award-winning works spanning fiction, non-fiction, music, and soundscape categories. Among the highlights was 'Izreal_is_real_now', a thought-provoking take on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and 'Mān̄ junāth to Mān̄ jam'ma: Chronicles of a Transgender', which sensitively portrayed the life journey of a trans individual. 'One Seed at a Time' spotlighted the quiet revolution led by marginalized women farmers, while 'I Am Just a Film Student' delved into filmmaker Suhashya’s pursuit of art amid personal struggles.
Other acclaimed screenings included 'SangamaSangama | Coming Together', examining democratic practices in Karnataka, 'In the Shadow of Ambedkar', which explored the enduring influence of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and 'A Brief Moment of Absence', chronicling a student’s journey from Ahmedabad to Wayanad. Festival curators remarked that this year’s selection reflects the complexities of contemporary human life, with several films not only spotlighting socially relevant issues but also challenging established systems of justice and governance. This marked shift towards politically and socially engaged storytelling has emerged as one of the defining features of IDSFFK 2025, striking a powerful chord with both critics and audiences alike.
UNI DS RN