Thiruvananthapuram: While the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) continues at multiple venues in the capital, the long-standing proposal for a permanent venue at Chitranjali Studio remains stalled. Sources indicate the project is on hold and may be scrapped.
The initiative was first announced at the 2016 IFFK closing ceremony by the then-LDF govt, promising a venue on 15 acres of Chitranjali Studio land. In 2019, the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy assured it would be ready for the 25th edition.
Estimated to cost Rs 100 crore, the project planned seven state-of-the-art theatres, with Rs 50 crore from the state govt and the rest from KIIFB. It was expected to be completed within two years.
Shaji M Karun, chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), confirmed that practical challenges have halted the project. "The studio is primarily for film shooting and post-production, and theatres would disrupt its core activities. Also, the festival runs for only eight days, leaving the facilities idle the rest of the year. Additionally, Chitranjali Studio's remote location makes transportation difficult. However, the project isn't scrapped and could be revisited in the future," he said.
Karun added that new facilities are being developed at Chitranjali Studio, and a theatre complex at Akkulam is under consideration. Meanwhile, the decentralised model of conducting the festival in multiple locations, including possible expansion to Kochi and Kozhikode, is seen as more practical.
The project proposal included spaces for forums, discussions, and press meets. Earlier, plots at Akkulam and Kowdiar were considered but dropped due to location and heritage zone restrictions. The govt owns 2.5 acres at Akkulam, and private companies have expressed interest in collaborating on a festival complex.
The need for a permanent venue arose due to the growing number of IFFK delegates, who often struggle to move between theatres. A dedicated venue could enhance the festival experience and serve as a hub for Kerala's film community.