Mumbai, July 27: The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is thrilled to announce its exciting lineup of a diverse range of Malayalam films that will be showcased during this year’s festival. The IFFM continues its commitment to celebrating the diversity of Indian cinema and promoting regional films that exemplify the vibrant culture and storytelling traditions of Kerala. Of the selected films, director Anjali Menon will also be doing a special in person reflective QnA on her film with a live audience in Melbourne.
The following films will be featured as part of the IFFM 2023’s Malayalam cinema showcase:
Directed by Anjali Menon is a heartwarming film about Five pregnant ladies come to stay at ‘Sumana’, a prenatal class conducted by Nandita. She calls them ‘real superheroes’ as they get ready to embrace motherhood. In their quest to know this new phase of life they are entering, they discover their true identity and answers to some deep-rooted problems. The fabulous cast includes Amruta Subhash, Nadiya Moidu, Nithya Menen, Padmapriya Janakiraman, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Sayanora Philip, Archana Padmini
Tovino Thomas starrer Vazzhak narrates the story of Siddharthan, who is a lawyer, cheats on his wife Lakshmi, and goes on an inland drive. He urges Lakshmi to postpone the divorce, citing their daughter Tara’s future, but the attempt fails. On his way back, he meets Sathi and her dumb daughter who are leaving their home due to marital issues. The meeting changed Siddharthan’s outlook on life. For cinema enthusiasts who love to experience the magic of the silver screen, ‘Vazzhak’ directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan will be showcased in cinemas, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in this beautiful cinematic journey. The other cast includes Kani Kusruthi, Sudev Nair, Baby Thanmaya, Aseez Nedumangad.
Bharthaavum Bhaaryayum Maricha Raandu Makkalum (The Husband, The Wife, and Their Two Dead Sons) (Feature film)
Directed by Satish Babusenan, Santosh Babusenan, the film narrates the story of an elderly couple living a quiet life in a house on a hill. Their two sons died years ago but the husband can still see and talk to them. One day the dead sons inform him that their mother will have to join them soon. Naru becomes a battlefield of conflicting emotions. The cast includes K. Kaladharan, Thara Kalyan, Sreeram Mohan, Chinmay.
Lakshmi (Short Film)
An emotional and powerful short film, directed by Harold Antony Paulson, ‘Lakshmi’ narrates a poignant tale of resilience and hope. Lakshmi depicts the real-life story of a migrant family and their community in the present socio-political scenario. The film peeps into the lives, livelihoods and routine unjust social situations of the migrant community in Kerala through the life of Lakshmi. She is in search of her husband who has been missing for months. The movie unveils the deep memories, hardships and agonies of a woman and her daughter, who don’t have a support system to survive. The cast includes Remya Valsala, Aadiya Sinoj, Rajesh Azhikodan, Binu Maniyangattu, Ranjit Janardanan.
Baakki Vannavar (The Leftovers) (Feature film)
Directed by Amal Prasi, ‘Baakki Vannavar’ presents a food delivery boy in Kerala, a representative of today’s youth, striving for a better life. Soon he realises he is limited by the system in power, and it begins to slowly affect his and his friends’ existence. The film cast includes Salmanul Faris, Anekh Bose, Lejeesh Mani, Faeez Muhammed, Ansu Sabu, Rehas Muhammed, Anandhu Madhu, Mirshan Khan.
Vettappattikalu Oattakkarum (The Hounds And The Runners) Feature film)
Directed by Rarish, this visually stunning feature film delves into an unreal subject is recorded as if it were a real event and is being taken up by the different sectors of the society, making it a huge topic. The cast includes Athira Harikumar, Adith, Shaji A John, Usha TT, Kannan Nayar.
Family (Feature film)Directed by Don Palathara, ‘Family’ is about Sony, a catholic man in his late twenties in rural central Kerala, who comes across as a do-gooder and a well-wisher at the first glimpse. However, lurking behind his public persona is a different character. The film cast includes Vinay Forrt, Divya Prabha, Nilja K Baby, K K Indira, Hridesh T B, Mathew Thomas.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is set to take place between August 11th to 20th, 2023. The Festival is an annual celebration of Indian cinema in Australia. As one of the largest Indian film festivals outside of India, IFFM aims to bring the magic of Indian cinema to a global audience while fostering cultural exchange and understanding between India and Australia. The festival showcases a diverse selection of films, including features, shorts, and documentaries, representing various Indian languages and regions.
