Thiruvananthapuram, December 1, 2023 – The International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is poised to showcase the cinematic brilliance of eight women directors, each offering a unique perspective on the concerns, anxieties, and emotions of women worldwide. The diverse lineup includes films such as “Tiger Stripes,” “Footprints on Water,” “Four Daughters,” and “A Letter from Kyoto.”
“Tiger Stripes” – Unraveling Supernatural Energy and Rebellion
One of the highlights of the festival is the Malaysian horror film “Tiger Stripes,” directed by debutant Amanda Nell Eu. The film narrates the story of Safan, an eleven-year-old girl whose rebellious nature takes a supernatural turn after hitting puberty. Amanda Nell Eu’s directorial debut earned recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, securing an award and garnering acclaim for its unique narrative.
“Footprints on Water” – A Glimpse into the Lives of Illegal Immigrants
“Footprints on Water,” a British-Indian film directed by Malayali director Nathalia Syam, explores the challenging lives of illegal immigrants in the UK. The film, co-written by Neetha Syam and Nathalia Syam, grandchildren of celebrated theater director O Madhavan, has received accolades at the New York Indian Festival and the UK-Asian Festival, adding to the anticipation surrounding its screening at IFFK.
“Four Daughters” – A Mother’s Unconventional Solution
Kaouther Ben Hania’s Tunisian film “Four Daughters” is another compelling entry, recounting the tale of a mother who hires actors to replace her missing children. The film, a winner at festivals such as Cannes, Chicago, and Brussels, marks its second screening in India, following its debut at the Mumbai Film Festival.
A Global Spectrum of Narratives
The Korean film “A Letter from Kyoto,” directed by July Jung, explores the quest of a young woman detective investigating her friend’s mysterious death. Other films in this category include Laetitia Colombani’s “The Braid,” French film “Banel & Adama” by Ramata-Toulaye Sy, and Mounia Meddour’s “Houria,” promising an enriching cinematic experience with diverse narratives.
The inclusion of these films in IFFK underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives, providing a platform for women directors to share their compelling stories with a global audience. The anticipation is high, as cinephiles eagerly await these thought-provoking and emotionally resonant films
