The 29th edition of IFFK will showcase seven films celebrating the vision of women directors

A scene from the film Desert of Namibia.

The 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will showcase the ‘Female Gaze’ package, comprising seven films that celebrate the creative vision of women filmmakers. These films highlight the unique perspective women bring to cinema, focusing on how they see themselves and their world.

The Female Gaze line-up includes films from a range of filmmakers from around the world. The category includes Denis Fernandes (Portugal/Switzerland), Lilja Ingolfsdottir (Norway), Yoko Yamanaka (Japan), Kurdwin Ayoub (Iraq/Austria), Louis Courvoisier (France), Iva Radivojevic (Serbia), and Roya Sadat (Afghanistan). Are. , His films- Hanami, Lovable, Namibian Desert, Moon, Sacred Cow, When the Phone Rings, and Sima’s Song – Explore a variety of topics including migration, identity, social norms and family dynamics.

HanamiDirected by Dennis Fernandes, it follows Nana’s journey as she reconnects with her estranged mother in Cape Verde. The film intricately weaves themes of migration and cultural preservation and has been screened at the Locarno and London festivals. Lilja Ingolfsdottir’s Dear Presents the story of Norwegian mother Maria, who is struggling to balance her personal and professional lives, but must face the turmoil of divorce.

Yoko Yamanaka’s namibian desert It is a pulsating story about Satsuki, a Japanese teenager who challenges social norms. The film deals with themes of individual freedom and rebellion. In moonKurdwin Ayoub portrays the troubling experiences of Sarah, a martial artist who finds herself isolated and under constant surveillance while training wealthy sisters in the Middle East. The film received the Special Jury Prize at the Locarno Film Festival. Louis Courvoisier’s sacred cow A touching upcoming drama about Toton, a French teen who must take responsibility for his younger sister by competing in a cheese contest after their father dies. when the phone rangDirected by Iva Radivojević, explores the emotional impact of a phone call on a Serbian family. Inspired by personal experiences, the film highlights memory, displacement and identity. Sadat cried Sima’s song is a thought-provoking Afghan drama that highlights love, family, and the challenges a young woman faces in a conservative society.

According to the festival organiser, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Female Gaze at IFFK seeks to highlight the power of storytelling through a woman’s lens, challenge stereotypes and deepen audiences’ understanding of human experiences .