Date:08/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/08/stories/2007120858960100.htm

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Cinema has the power to forge love, friendship: Miguel Littin

Staff Reporter

Photo: S. Mahinsha

Colourful start: Theyyam being performed at the inaugural ceremony of the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala in the capital on Friday. —

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Noted Chilean filmmaker Miguel Littin has described cinema as a tool that provides light to the hearts of people.

Mr. Littin was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 12th International Film Festival of Kerala, which witnessed a colourful opening at the Nishagandhi Open Air auditorium on Friday.

Speaking in Spanish with the assistance of an interpreter, Mr. Littin, who was the chief guest of the function, said cinema has the “power to forge love, friendship and relationships.”

Actor Kamal Hassan, who inaugurated the festival, recalled his stint as dance assistance with Maryland studio. “I started my career here,” he said. In a lighter vein, Kamal Hassan invited actor Mohanlal, who also shared the dais, to star in a bilingual Tamil and Malayalam movie.

Minister for Education and Culture M.A. Baby presided over the inaugural ceremony.

Thirteen artistes from the Malayalam film world were honoured on the occasion.

The inaugural function was followed by a cultural presentation ‘Rhythm of Kerala’ featuring the folk arts of the State..

A total of 238 films from 58 countries will be screened at the eight-day event, which also includes retrospectives of Spanish film-maker Pedro Almodovar and Czech director Jiri Menzel. Around 7,000 delegates have already registered for the event.